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Post by metrocenter on Mar 7, 2010 23:08:50 GMT -8
Posted by Metro, on Tuesday March 2, 2010.
In summary: the Blue Line will not be in service for two weekends between Washington Station and 7th/Metro Center Station. The weekends are March 5-7 and March 12-14, 2010.
Full closure of Metro Blue Line service set next two weekends from Washington Station to 7th/Metro Center due to construction work on Expo light rail line
Metro Blue Line passengers will experience travel delays of up to 40 minutes for the next two weekends beginning this Friday night, March 5, due to construction of the Expo light rail line, which will connect with the Metro Blue Line in downtown Los Angeles. Bus bridge begins Friday, March 5, at 9 p.m.
Work will begin at 9 p.m. on Friday and will continue until the early morning hours of Monday, March 8, on the first weekend. The same plan is for the second weekend beginning Friday night, March 12, and continuing until the early hours of Monday, March 15.
The Metro stations affected will be San Pedro, Grand Avenue, Pico/Chick Hearn and 7th/Metro Center. Rail service from Washington Station to Long Beach Transit Mall will not be affected.
Metro will implement a bus bridge to serve these stations from 7th/Metro Center to and from Washington Station. There also will be Metro personnel at Washington and 7th/Metro Center stations to help direct patrons.
The bus bridge service will be every 15 to 20 minutes on Friday nights. On Saturdays and Sundays buses will run every 5 to 10 minutes and after 8 p.m. every 15 to 20 minutes.
The temporary bus stops will be located near the stations: those passengers coming from Long Beach and going to downtown Los Angeles can transfer from the train to the bus at Washington Station, on Long Beach Avenue just south of Washington Boulevard, at San Pedro Station on Washington Boulevard just east of San Pedro Street, at Grand Avenue Station on Olive Avenue just north of Washington Boulevard, at Pico/ Chick Hearn Station on Pico Boulevard just east of Flower Street and the final stop at 7th/Metro Center at the Figueroa Street entrance to the Metro Rail station.
When Metro customers travel to Long Beach they can board buses at the Hope Street entrance to the 7th/Metro Center. The next stop will be at Pico/Chick Hearn station on Pico Boulevard just east of Flower Street, the Grand Avenue Station on Washington Boulevard just east of Hill Street, at San Pedro Station on Washington Boulevard just east of San Pedro Street, and the final stop at Washington Station will be on Washington Boulevard just east of Long Beach Boulevard.
Metro will make every attempt to have service restored before peak hours Monday mornings. Should any unforeseen delay occur, the bus bridge will continue in operation with many additional buses running between Washington and 7th/Metro Center stations.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 8, 2010 14:09:28 GMT -8
I think that in addition to general track repairs that they are installing the crossover at Maple that was mentioned in this document. As you can see there will likely be many more weeks like this to complete the junction with expo, flower crossover, and connections for the planned storage yard.
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Post by metrocenter on Mar 8, 2010 17:55:38 GMT -8
Here is a diagram of the planned improvements to the Blue/Expo tracks in Downtown L.A.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 8, 2010 20:20:52 GMT -8
"Lift and Insulate Rail". Ohh...so that's what they were doing. They were removing the rail and putting these metal guide looking things in place next to the rail. They were also using a jackhammer to break up the concrete at Maple which is why I think that they were also installing the crossover.
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Post by metrocenter on Mar 8, 2010 20:40:16 GMT -8
I'm glad to see the Downtown section of the Blue Line getting some upgrades. I wonder if Metro is leveraging Expo project funds to pay for these improvements.
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Post by transitfan on Mar 9, 2010 7:19:02 GMT -8
Nice to see that Washington Storage and Inspection facility. I wonder if some trains from Expo might stage here to avoid a lengthy deadhead from Division 11 (current Blue Line facility in North Long Beach)
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Post by erict on Mar 9, 2010 7:48:03 GMT -8
Wow the "Rail Operations Control Center" is amazing. Fantastic.
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Post by trackman on Mar 9, 2010 19:04:07 GMT -8
Noob post #2
That diagram reads "Lift & Insulate Rail". I bet that has something to do with communications or Automatic Train Protection.
The tracks shown in red.... I have no idea.
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Post by bobdavis on Mar 9, 2010 21:25:50 GMT -8
Historic note: I'd have to check the exact location, but the new facility will be either on or adjacent to Pacific Electric's Washington Yard, home of their overhead lines dept. At least three of the tower cars that worked out of this facility still exist, one in running condition.
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Post by Justin Walker on Mar 9, 2010 22:13:32 GMT -8
I'm glad to see the Downtown section of the Blue Line getting some upgrades. I wonder if Metro is leveraging Expo project funds to pay for these improvements. The real reasons are slightly less dramatic than that. Currently, the Blue Line is equipped with signalling on only the subway segment (7th St. to 12th St.) and on the dedicated right-of-way segment (Washington Blvd. to Willow St.). This means the Flower St. and Washington Blvd. street-running segments are unsignalled. With the installation of an interlocking between the Blue and Expo Lines at Flower/Washington, interlocking signals will be necessary to regulate trains on conflicting paths. Given that all of the Expo Line will be signalized, Metro Operations decided it would be worthwhile to install block signalling on ALL of the Blue Line north of the Washington station. That diagram reads "Lift & Insulate Rail". I bet that has something to do with communications or Automatic Train Protection. The tracks shown in red.... I have no idea. For a block signalling system to work, however, all the track must be broken up into electrically isolated sections. Hence the need to lift and insulate the existing Blue Line track. Example of a insulating rail joint: Also, here's an updated Blue Line Tie-in Diagram, taken from a slightly later Metro operations presentation. Note the deletion of the inspection facility.
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Post by jeisenbe on Mar 9, 2010 22:44:11 GMT -8
So there is no signaling now on the Long Beach Blvd segment from Willow to Transit Mall? I hope they have plans to install it in our segment as well, along with signal priority. But I am glad the Los Angeles street-running portions are getting this upgrade.
There will be signal priority for Expo thru every grade crossing, correct?
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 10, 2010 16:38:12 GMT -8
I think that we can forget signal prioritization for the blue line as there are already too many accidents. Having signals make irregular changes would only add to that. And in downtown Long Beach I also don't think that a timed system such as on Flower and Washington will work given the configuration. I'd add that the current system will no longer work regularly on Flower once Expo opens.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 10, 2010 16:42:06 GMT -8
This matches what an operator told me a couple of weeks ago. He said that they were connecting the blue and expo line tracks this weekend. I didn't believe him, but I guess that we'll see. One thing that Metro did differently compared to the last bus bridge on Washington was that they put signs up at the bus stops letting both riders and bus operators know where to stop. During the previous bridge I had noticed that stops were not clearly identified and some bus drivers didn't stop where they were supposed to stop. They didn't all even take the same detour route! This last bus bridge went much better! Metro Blue LineFriday - Monday, March 12-15, Beginning Friday, March 12 at 9:00pm and continuing until early Monday morning, March 15, Blue Line trains will not operate north of Washington Station to allow for Exposition Line construction on Flower St. and Washington Blvd. Buses will be used to transport passengers between Washington Station and 7th St./Metro Center. Passengers will experience significant travel delays of up to 40 minutes throughout this period and are advised to allow extra time to complete their trips. March 12 (after 9pm), 13,14, 15 (early morning) trains will not serve the following stations: • San Pedro • Grand • Pico • 7th St./Metro Center (Blue Line only – Red and Purple Lines will continue to run regular service ) Buses will transport passengers between Washington Station and 7th St./Metro Center. Blue Line service between Washington Station and Long Beach Transit Mall will run similar to regular schedules. Every attempt will be made to restore service prior to the Monday morning rush hour. Please check media outlets, www.metro.net or the Blue Line Exposition Construction Hotline at 213-922-4999. Northbound to Los Angeles Washington – Long Beach Ave. Northbound Roadway, south of Washington Blvd. San Pedro – Washington Blvd, east of San Pedro St. Grand – Olive Ave., north of Washington Blvd. Pico – Pico Blvd., east of Flower St. Buses will continue to 7th St./Metro Center Station to connect with Red / Purple Line trains and Metro buses. Southbound to Long Beach 7th St./Metro Center Station – Hope St., north of 7th St. (Hope St. Station exit). Pico – Hope St, south of Pico Blvd. Grand – Washington Blvd., east of Hill St. San Pedro – Washington Blvd, east of San Pedro St. Buses will continue to Washington Station to connect with trains. Metro realizes the travel difficulties our customers may encounter due to construction activities. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period.
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Post by Justin Walker on Mar 10, 2010 18:27:36 GMT -8
This matches what an operator told me a couple of weeks ago. He said that they were connecting the blue and expo line tracks this weekend. I didn't believe him, but I guess that we'll see. According to this weekend's Expo construction notice, some Blue Line track and track foundation will be removed and replaced along Flower. The work will take place between Pico and Venice, so clearly the junction itself will not be installed this weekend.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 10, 2010 19:42:29 GMT -8
Thanks for that info. It seems like the construction might be related to the new crossover at Venice.
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Post by metrocenter on Mar 10, 2010 22:17:48 GMT -8
I'm glad to see the Downtown section of the Blue Line getting some upgrades. I wonder if Metro is leveraging Expo project funds to pay for these improvements. The real reasons are slightly less dramatic than that. Didn't realize my speculation was dramatic, but ok.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 16, 2010 17:12:42 GMT -8
Friday, March 19 thru Sunday, March 21: Beginning at 9pm and continuing thru Sunday, Metro crews will be replacing the Blue Line grade crossing at Alondra Blvd. and completing systems maintenance between Imperial/Wilmington and Artesia Stations. During this period, Compton Station will be closed and both the northbound and southbound Blue Line tracks will be out of service. Buses will be used to provide service between Imperial/Wilmington and Artesia Stations around the closure. Passengers will experience travel delays of up to 30 minutes throughout this period and are advised to allow extra time to complete their trips.
Blue Line passengers will board buses at the following locations:
* All Northbound passengers will get off trains at Artesia Station and board buses at the Metro (130/205) bus stop. Buses will travel to Compton, boarding and alighting on Compton at Willowbrook Ave. East, and then continue to Imperial/Wilmington Station (15-18 minutes). * All Southbound passengers will get off trains at Imperial/Wilmington Station and board buses at the West Plaza Bay #11 & 12. Buses will travel to Compton, boarding and alighting on Compton at Willowbrook Ave. East, then continue to Artesia Station (15-18 minutes).
Train service between Imperial/Wilmington & 7th St./Metro Center and Artesia & Long Beach Transit Mall will run 12 to 15 minutes during the day and 20 minutes at night.
Metro realizes the inconvenience all Blue Line customers will face during this period. We ask for your patience and understanding.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 16, 2010 17:17:37 GMT -8
This makes 3 consecutive weekends that part of the line has required a bus bridge and 5 consecutive weekends of significant delays (the first 2 weekends had one track out from Washington to 7th/metro).
Hopefully they are also using this time to repair the signal/crossing arm at Alondra so that trains will no longer have to stop every time they cross Alondra. I think that's been going on for months.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 16, 2010 19:23:14 GMT -8
And the LA Marathon is this weekend. They have been advertising that all metro rail lines will run as scheduled and to take rail to view the runners for 2 weeks. In the past there have been a ton of spectators and runners taking the blue line and they've even run special service to Rosa Parks. I guess that this year will be different since the race starts at Dodger Stadium and ends in Santa Monica. A huge inconvenience for runners compared to the rail transit friendly races of the last several years.
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Post by tonyw79sfv on Mar 16, 2010 19:51:39 GMT -8
And the LA Marathon is this weekend. They have been advertising that all metro rail lines will run as scheduled and to take rail to view the runners for 2 weeks. In the past there have been a ton of spectators and runners taking the blue line and they've even run special service to Rosa Parks. I guess that this year will be different since the race starts at Dodger Stadium and ends in Santa Monica. A huge inconvenience for runners compared to the rail transit friendly races of the last several years. It's Frank McCourt's race now, so I'm not surprised at the lack of Metro Rail access at the start and end points; at least according to this map, miles 3, 4, 8, 9.5, 10.3, & 11 will be near or at the following Red/Purple Line Stations: Union Station, Civic Center, Vermont/Sunset, Hollywood/Western, Hollywood/Vine, and Hollywood/Highland. In five years, there should be rail near the finish line.
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Post by darrell on Mar 16, 2010 21:43:44 GMT -8
Crossposting this from the Expo thread ...Alan Weeks emailed a new set of construction photos today, taken Saturday (3/13), of the reconstruction of the Blue Line tracks along Flower Street north of Venice Boulevard over the weekend. This project went from Pico Blvd. South to Venice Blvd. Every thing was removed and replaced in 48 hours. They finished around 6 am Monday morning. They added a double crossover just South of Pico Blvd. I don't know how many more blocks they will do on Flower St. Then comes the really big job at Flower Street and Washington Blvd. where all the new Special Work switches and frogs will be installed. Here are crops of three, just north of Venice Blvd.:
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Post by transitfan on Mar 17, 2010 7:43:08 GMT -8
And the LA Marathon is this weekend. They have been advertising that all metro rail lines will run as scheduled and to take rail to view the runners for 2 weeks. In the past there have been a ton of spectators and runners taking the blue line and they've even run special service to Rosa Parks. I guess that this year will be different since the race starts at Dodger Stadium and ends in Santa Monica. A huge inconvenience for runners compared to the rail transit friendly races of the last several years. That's too bad Pre-rail lines, I would never considered attending the L. A. Marathon in person, but I went to the 1991 one. Drove to Artesia station, took the Blue Line to the then-new 7th St/Metro Center station and watched from there (almost got a pic of eventual winner Mark Plajjes (sp?). 2 years later, did the same, watched from 6th/Flower for awhile, walked down 6th to Broadway, then hopped on the Red Line to Union Station and watched from Sunset west of Alameda (it was in the 80s that year, sucked for the runners, but I enjoyed it) Oh well, if they keep that route, someday people can ride to the finish line (or near it) on the Purple Line to the Sea ;D
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Post by transitfan on Mar 17, 2010 7:44:20 GMT -8
And the LA Marathon is this weekend. They have been advertising that all metro rail lines will run as scheduled and to take rail to view the runners for 2 weeks. In the past there have been a ton of spectators and runners taking the blue line and they've even run special service to Rosa Parks. I guess that this year will be different since the race starts at Dodger Stadium and ends in Santa Monica. A huge inconvenience for runners compared to the rail transit friendly races of the last several years. It's Frank McCourt's race now, so I'm not surprised at the lack of Metro Rail access at the start and end points; at least according to this map, miles 3, 4, 8, 9.5, 10.3, & 11 will be near or at the following Red/Purple Line Stations: Union Station, Civic Center, Vermont/Sunset, Hollywood/Western, Hollywood/Vine, and Hollywood/Highland. In five years, there should be rail near the finish line. Wonder if McCourt's soon-to-be ex-wife will get the Marathon in the divorce proceedings ;D
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 26, 2010 19:14:44 GMT -8
Now 7 consecutive weekends of significant delays although at least it's not a bus bridge. They added this late in the week. I had been planning on making a trip to see Angels Flight tomorrow, but I guess that I'll go Sunday instead. Crowding should be much less on Sunday. Saturday should be terrible. March 26: Metro Blue Line weekend service to be impacted as construction crews work on Expo Line connectionFriday March 26, 2010 Metro Blue Line passengers will experience travel delays of up to 40 minutes this coming weekend beginning Friday night, March 26, due to construction of the Expo light rail line, which will connect with the Metro Blue Line in downtown Los Angeles. Work will begin at 9 p.m. on Friday night and continue until the close of rail service on Sunday night March 28. Full Metro Blue Line service will be restored by Monday morning between Washington and 7th St./Metro Center Stations. Metro Blue Line service between Washington and 7th/Metro Center will be every 30 to 40 minutes all weekend due to trains single tracking. From Washington to Transit Mall station service will be every 15 to 18 minutes from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Metro patrons are advised to allow extra time for their trips and check television monitors in train stations or call Metro’s hot line number 213- 922-4999 for the latest information on the construction work and service impacts or go online to www.metro.net. All work is subject to weather delays. Information about Metro Blue Line service in English and Spanish will posted for the affected stations and announcements will be done in all Metro Rail stations. The Expo Line is a new 8.5 mile light rail line under construction from downtown Los Angeles to Culver City. It will share tracks and two stations with the Metro Blue Line along the Flower Street portion of the alignment.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Mar 27, 2010 6:26:48 GMT -8
There is supposed to be a large march in support of illegal immigration today. In past rallies the blue line has been crowded with normal service levels. Should be extra crowded today!
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Post by bluelineshawn on Apr 4, 2010 8:25:38 GMT -8
8 consecutive weekends of significant delays although it looks like next weekend may break the trend. Friday - Monday, April 2-5: Beginning Friday, April 2 at 9:00pm and continuing until early Monday morning, April 5, Blue Line trains will not operate north of Washington Station to allow for Exposition Line construction on Flower St. and Washington Blvd. Buses will be used to transport passengers between Washington Station and 7th St./Metro Center. Passengers will experience significant travel delays of up to 40 minutes throughout this period and are advised to allow extra time to complete their trips. April 2 (after 9pm), 3, 4, 5 (early morning) trains will not serve the following stations: San Pedro Grand Pico 7th St./Metro Center (Blue Line only – Red and Purple Lines will continue to run regular service) Buses will transport passengers between Washington Station and 7th St./Metro Center. Blue Line service between Washington Station and Long Beach Transit Mall will run similar to regular schedules. Every attempt will be made to restore service prior to the Monday morning rush hour. Please check media outlets, www.metro.net or the Blue Line Exposition Construction Hotline at 213-922-4999. Bus boarding locations:Blue Line Bus Bridge Northbound to Los Angeles Washington – Long Beach Ave. Northbound Roadway, south of Washington Blvd. San Pedro – Washington Blvd, east of San Pedro St. Grand – Olive Ave., north of Washington Blvd. Pico – Pico Blvd., east of Flower St. Buses will continue to 7th St./Metro Center Station to connect with Red / Purple Line trains and Metro buses. Southbound to Long Beach 7th St./Metro Center Station – Hope St., north of 7th St. (Hope St. Station exit). Pico – Hope St, south of Pico Blvd. Grand – Washington Blvd., east of Grand Ave. San Pedro – Washington Blvd, east of San Pedro St. Buses will continue to Washington Station to connect with trains. Metro realizes the travel difficulties our customers may encounter due to construction activities. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period Wednesday, April 7: due to maintenance work after 9:00pm, northbound trains will run every 35 minutes. Trains will leave Transit Mall at 9:12pm, 9:47pm, 10:22pm, 10:57pm, and 11:32pm. Trains to Wardlow will leave at 11:56pm, 12:31pm, 1:06am, and 1:41am. Friday & Saturday, April 9-10: due maintenance work after 8:15pm, northbound trains run 4 minutes earlier than regular schedule. Northbound trains leave Transit Mall at 8:26pm, 8:57pm, 9:17pm, 9:37pm and every 20 minutes through 11:37pm, then 11:41pm and regular schedule. Metro apologizes for any inconvenience.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Apr 29, 2010 19:07:19 GMT -8
It looks like they may finally be finishing the Expo crossing across Washington. Or maybe new catenary over the previously installed crossings. Or both.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday, May 7-10 and 14-17
Due to Blue Line/Expo Construction, beginning at 8:30pm Friday and through at least 4am Monday morning, trains will operate only from Washington Station to Long Beach Transit Mall. Trains will operate on regular schedule.
Shuttle Buses will operate between Washington Station and 7th/Metro Center. Please be advised to allow up to 40 additional minutes to complete your trip and that work will occur over additional weekends.
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Post by bluelineshawn on May 8, 2010 16:26:47 GMT -8
I drove by the construction work earlier this morning and they were not working on the crossing over Washington. They were taking out the rail on both tracks between Pico and the 10 fwy. Similar to what they did on Washington a few weeks back.
I was going to check out Expo construction but got caught up in the Revlon race traffic on Flower and after taking over 30 minutes to go one mile and a fender-bender I was burned out and went home.
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Post by bluelineshawn on Jun 1, 2010 9:38:23 GMT -8
No closures for the rest of May, but on Memorial Day trains were running at a reduced headway until at least 11 am. It seemed to be no better than every 20 minutes . I would say that it was justified based on the very light holiday ridership, but strange that they wouldn't have announced it.
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Post by trackman on Jun 1, 2010 22:19:23 GMT -8
No closures for the rest of May, but on Memorial Day trains were running at a reduced headway until at least 11 am. It seemed to be no better than every 20 minutes . I would say that it was justified based on the very light holiday ridership, but strange that they wouldn't have announced it. It was announced... on every timetable. It was a holiday. Holiday = Sunday service.
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