Post by jdrcrasher on Sept 22, 2011 8:55:18 GMT -8
Been a while since we last heard about this project:
From SGV Tribune:
From SGV Tribune:
Gold Line east extension alternatives would cost less, be more popular than expected
By Mike Sprague, Staff Writer
Posted: 09/21/2011 09:39:30 PM PDT
MONTEBELLO - New estimates for competing light-rail lines to either South El Monte or Whittier show increased ridership and decreased costs for both options.
But neither alternative to extend the Gold Line from East Los Angeles would qualify for federal funding. And dollars from Measure R are insufficient to cover the cost of either, Metro project manager Tham Nguyen said at a community meeting Wednesday at Montebello Senior Center.
Still, Metro is continuing the planning process for both alternatives until it makes a decision on which one to select, Nguyen said. Both are under review for an environmental impact report expected to be released in the spring of 2012.
"We want to make sure it's environmentally cleared and ready to go," Nguyen said.
That way, if other funding sources appear, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority would be ready with the project, she said.
Nguyen will make the same presentation at a meeting from 6 to 8 tonight at Palm Park, 5703 Palm Ave., Whittier.
Both potential Gold Line extensions begin in East Los Angeles.
One option would travel along the 60 Freeway, ending at Peck Road. The second would travel to Whittier via Garfield Avenue and Washington Boulevard, ending at Lambert Road.
The 60 Freeway line is projected to cost $1.5 billion - a decrease from the preliminary estimate of $1.8 billion. The Whittier route is now estimated to cost $1.65 billion, down from $2.2 billion.
Nguyen said the recession has reduced construction costs. In addition, Metro now proposes to place the Whittier route at ground level, instead of elevating it, from Montebello Boulevard east.
Ridership predictions have increased 50 percent for the 60 Freeway line - from 12,270 to 18,300 weekly passengers - and 33 percent for the Whittier route - from 15,660 to 20,800 weekly passengers.
Nguyen said a new regional connector line in downtown Los Angeles that would allow riders to use different routes, some connecting to the west side, would increase ridership.
Nguyen also revealed some other environmental issues. As a result of the a Superfund site in Monterey Park, Metro has proposed having the 60 Freeway alternative cross over the freeway twice by a bridge to avoid that area.
The Environmental Protection Agency has concerns about allowing a light-rail line to go on the south side of the freeway, where the Superfund site is, she said.
The costs of the two bridges aren't included in the latest projected costs, but Nguyen said it may not result in an increase because of the possible reduction in expense of dealing with the Superfund site, which stretches from Garfield to Montebello Boulevard.
But Nancy Mendez, assistant city manager for Whittier, said these changes improve the case for the line to her city.
"We have concluded it will be difficult for the 60 alignment in face of the overwhelming environmental issues associated with the Superfund site," Mendez said.
South El Monte Councilman Joseph Gonzales said he believes the new numbers will help his coalition's cause in favor of the 60 Freeway route.
"Things are changing, but they are changing to the benefit of the SR-60 line," Gonzales said.
Gonzales said the Superfund site does pose problems but that his group suggested the route cross over the freeway.
"The Foothill line is doing the same thing," he said. "(The bridge) would be an opportunity to alleviate the problems."
mike.sprague@sgvn.com
562-698-0955, ext. 3022
By Mike Sprague, Staff Writer
Posted: 09/21/2011 09:39:30 PM PDT
MONTEBELLO - New estimates for competing light-rail lines to either South El Monte or Whittier show increased ridership and decreased costs for both options.
But neither alternative to extend the Gold Line from East Los Angeles would qualify for federal funding. And dollars from Measure R are insufficient to cover the cost of either, Metro project manager Tham Nguyen said at a community meeting Wednesday at Montebello Senior Center.
Still, Metro is continuing the planning process for both alternatives until it makes a decision on which one to select, Nguyen said. Both are under review for an environmental impact report expected to be released in the spring of 2012.
"We want to make sure it's environmentally cleared and ready to go," Nguyen said.
That way, if other funding sources appear, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority would be ready with the project, she said.
Nguyen will make the same presentation at a meeting from 6 to 8 tonight at Palm Park, 5703 Palm Ave., Whittier.
Both potential Gold Line extensions begin in East Los Angeles.
One option would travel along the 60 Freeway, ending at Peck Road. The second would travel to Whittier via Garfield Avenue and Washington Boulevard, ending at Lambert Road.
The 60 Freeway line is projected to cost $1.5 billion - a decrease from the preliminary estimate of $1.8 billion. The Whittier route is now estimated to cost $1.65 billion, down from $2.2 billion.
Nguyen said the recession has reduced construction costs. In addition, Metro now proposes to place the Whittier route at ground level, instead of elevating it, from Montebello Boulevard east.
Ridership predictions have increased 50 percent for the 60 Freeway line - from 12,270 to 18,300 weekly passengers - and 33 percent for the Whittier route - from 15,660 to 20,800 weekly passengers.
Nguyen said a new regional connector line in downtown Los Angeles that would allow riders to use different routes, some connecting to the west side, would increase ridership.
Nguyen also revealed some other environmental issues. As a result of the a Superfund site in Monterey Park, Metro has proposed having the 60 Freeway alternative cross over the freeway twice by a bridge to avoid that area.
The Environmental Protection Agency has concerns about allowing a light-rail line to go on the south side of the freeway, where the Superfund site is, she said.
The costs of the two bridges aren't included in the latest projected costs, but Nguyen said it may not result in an increase because of the possible reduction in expense of dealing with the Superfund site, which stretches from Garfield to Montebello Boulevard.
But Nancy Mendez, assistant city manager for Whittier, said these changes improve the case for the line to her city.
"We have concluded it will be difficult for the 60 alignment in face of the overwhelming environmental issues associated with the Superfund site," Mendez said.
South El Monte Councilman Joseph Gonzales said he believes the new numbers will help his coalition's cause in favor of the 60 Freeway route.
"Things are changing, but they are changing to the benefit of the SR-60 line," Gonzales said.
Gonzales said the Superfund site does pose problems but that his group suggested the route cross over the freeway.
"The Foothill line is doing the same thing," he said. "(The bridge) would be an opportunity to alleviate the problems."
mike.sprague@sgvn.com
562-698-0955, ext. 3022
