Planned Barham ramp closure not Universally popular

Will permanently shutting the southbound Barham Boulevard onramp to the 101 Freeway to make way for muggles actually improve traffic in the Cahuenga Pass?

That’s what NBC/Universal says – but Studio City and Hollywood residents aren’t buying it.

Opposition from neighbors is building to Caltrans’ plan to eliminate the Barham onramp to accommodate a $1.6 billion expansion of Universal Studios – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and all. Under plans approved by both the city and county of L.A., the onramp would be replaced by a new on-ramp on Universal Studios Boulevard – allowing people exiting the park to get right on the freeway.

The theme park has agreed to spend $100 million for the roadwork. It calls the Barham closure “an unfortunate trade-off.” But Universal insists the change will help alleviate gridlock on nearby surface streets.

However, folks who rely on the Barham onramp on a daily basis say the expansion will bring in bigger crowds and worsen traffic. They’re outraged that Universal is being allowed to alter a state-funded freeway.

The closure could happen next year.