Judge throws a curve at Expo Line

What ultimately happens with these crossings could affect how street crossings are treated if the second phase of the Expo Line ever reaches West Los Angeles -- the reason West L.A. activists are involved in this fight.

Like a freeway

Once upon a time, Colorado Boulevard through Eagle Rock was the vital link between the San Gabriel Valley and points west. Then the 134 Freeway was built just up the hill from Eagle Rock and . . . Colorado Boulevard remained a vital link between the San Gabriel Valley and points west.

That's how things are done here. One big road begets another big road.

In August, four people and an unborn baby were killed in an accident in which a speeding car on Colorado in Eagle Rock slammed into a tree. The street has had a reputation over the years for speeding, and it's little wonder why: Colorado has three lanes in each direction, plus turn lanes, parking lanes and a landscaped median.

The street is so wide it's a miracle the two sides aren't in different time zones. It's like a freeway, only perhaps larger.

"Eagle Rock prides itself on having a small-town feel, but in the middle of it you have Colorado, a thoroughfare to get from the San Gabriel Valley to downtown L.A. and to Glendale, and it's kind of a contradiction," says Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar, hitting nail upon head.

The city is cracking down with more police patrols, surveillance cameras and a speed-sensitive light at the long exit ramp from the westbound 134 to Colorado and by unsyncing some traffic signals at night to prevent motorists from building a head of steam. All good ideas backed by Huizar. The real problem here is Colorado's size, and I suggest it go on a road diet and be narrowed.

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steve.hymon@latimes.com