Exposition Light Rail Line Project Developments

[James Fujita]

the idea that people are inept around trains or at least fail to use common sense is not a new one; we would not have the L.A. Dodgers if it weren't for Brooklyn "trolley dodgers"

truly there are many paranoid NIMBYs out there, but there will always be hope for the Westside as long as there are groups like Friends4Expo and people like Bill Rosendahl

[roadtrainer]

Oh I forgot to mention Good Ole Bill Rosendahl, and then there is also Ex-mayor of L.A. and owner of that great resturant located at Olympic and Figueroa. (The Pantry) and that guy who ran against Hahn and wanted to finish the Metro Green Line right away if he got elected!(A Republician by the way) And the former KABC News Anchor and former L.A. Supervisor Baxter Ward. (Who should have a train station named after him!) And Kenneth Hahn who got the Blue Line Built. Just ask Bart if there are any more Visionaries that we shold honor Sincerely The Road Trainer!

[Gokhan]

USC News

Rail Construction Near USC to Begin
04/25/07

Most work on the $640-million project linking downtown L.A. with Culver City on Exposition Boulevard will take place at night.

By Eddie North-Hager

Construction of the Exposition Light Rail segment that will curve around the southeastern border of USC will begin on May 14, the Monday after commencement.

“At our request, they didn’t start earlier,” said Curtis D. Williams, vice president of campus development and facilities management.

The $640-million project starts near Seventh Street and Wilshire Boulevard, traveling south along Flower Street and then west along Exposition Boulevard until it reaches Culver City.

Most of the summer construction will focus on the section where the train will go underground – on Flower south of Jefferson Boulevard as it turns west onto Exposition until Pardee Way, said A. Bingham Cherrie, USC associate vice president of planning.

“People need to take into account the construction and try to avoid the whole area this summer,” Williams said.

Most of the work will take place at night. Steel plates will cover the construction during the day to keep traffic moving. Streets should remain open, but lanes, including some interstate off- and on-ramp lanes, could be closed. There may be some road closures at night.

The underground section “is being called the critical path as it will take the longest to complete,” Williams said.

The major above-ground work is scheduled to end by Labor Day. Then actual tunnel excavation begins but should cause fewer traffic headaches.

“This is all in a perfect world,” Cherrie said.

Construction in the median along Exposition will continue into the fall, but Cherrie said there always will be safe access between campus and the L.A. Memorial Coliseum during football games. When the line is finished, pedestrian crossings will remain at Trousdale Parkway, Watt Way and Pardee Way.

Some of the utilities on Exposition already are being relocated to prepare the site. Much of the metered parking along that boulevard was removed earlier this semester.

USC also sold two small parcels of land to the Metropolitan Transit Authority to accommodate for the train. The northeast corner of Vermont Avenue and Exposition will become a right turn lane, and a parking lot near the Tyler Building will house a power plant for the train.

Phase 1 of the rail line that will end in Culver City is scheduled for completion in 2010. Stations are planned at Flower and Jefferson, Trousdale and Exposition, and Vermont and Exposition. There currently is no funding for the Trousdale station, so it is shown as “optional” on planning maps.

“We are continuing to work with the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority staff with issues that might arise during design and construction,” Cherrie said.

The line will provide another link between USC and downtown Los Angeles, which is in the midst of a renaissance.

Thousands of lofts, combined with Staples Center and the under-construction entertainment and hotel complex LA Live, are transforming the area just north of campus. In addition, the Galen Center, USC’s sports and performing arts venue, and University Gateway, a planned retail and apartment complex, are destination locations.

The Exposition line eventually will continue to Santa Monica, with the final link made during a second construction phase.

[LAofAnaheim]

So...........uh............the Expo Line is not delayed???

[kenalpern]

Ignore the stuff about the PUC, which the Expo Construction Authority is in busy talks with to make all parties happy, and ignore the crazies with their ideas how this line ought to be.

The Authority is set up to build this as quick and effectively as possible, so it will tackle all new obstacles as they arise and will build with eagerness and alacrity.

[bluelineshawn]

That's good news. I was afraid that they would put the project on hold while they decided the best way to reallocate funds. I guess they'll figure all that out as they build.

[LAofAnaheim]

kenalpern said:

Ignore the stuff about the PUC, which the Expo Construction Authority is in busy talks with to make all parties happy, and ignore the crazies with their ideas how this line ought to be.

The Authority is set up to build this as quick and effectively as possible, so it will tackle all new obstacles as they arise and will build with eagerness and alacrity.

My concern is not about the 'crazies' b/c they'll always be around no matter what happens. But, I was concerned that the PUC would have the power to delay the Expo Line construction.

[Adrian Auer-Hudson]

There were very similar issues during the constraction of the Gold Line.

Atually I am all for more grade separation, if someone can be persuaded to pay for it.

The feds seriously owe us. Our taxes have paid for a lot of transportation projects beyond California's borders. Dream on!

[bluelineshawn]

The Expo Authority likes the USC redesign for the stations near campus. The stations will be more USC-like as long as USC agrees to pay for the changes which apparently they will. The major design change seems to be the use of brick similar to that found on USC's campus. Click on the attachments for pictures and discussion.


Edit: Corrected link.

[whitmanlam]

What ? Just some new brick-work to match the red-brick motif of the USC campus. What is up with that ?
No pedestrian bridges, grade separations, or even electronic message boards at the stations ?

Just red bricks and a redesigned "canopy" to change the motif. No safer a station, makes.

[bluelineshawn]

I don't understand it either. Maybe their render only incorporates the design elements for which USC will be responsible for? Otherwise it doesn't make much sense. I though that pedestrian bridges were part of the design for gateway stations?

[roadtrainer]

Whatever! The people who complain must be U.C.L.A. Fans, quit your crying Bruin Fans!!!!
I think the station should match the locale surrounding it. Imagine A Dodger Stadium Station paint in Anahiem red and white! Why I would be one of the first to repaint it myself!! Dodger Blue and White, Forever!!! The Road Trainer!

[Gokhan]

This is great! The USC's request for special station architecture had seemed to be the final sticking point. It looks like this is finally resolved. There should not be so much politics involved in this! If USC wants some bricks, give them some bricks; if some other neighborhood wants some tiles, give them some tiles; why make such a big deal out of this and hold off the project for things that don't cost that much? Grrr!

Hopefully now that this final sticking point is settled, we will see the Trousdale Station get built! So much politics causing so much stress. It would be a pity if Steven Sample blocks this station from getting built at the last moment. See the following link for more information:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LACMTA_Expo_Line#Tentative_USC.2FExposition_Park_Station

[Gokhan]

I saw when I was coming to work today that they have digged the trench for the northern tunnel wall and covered it with steel plates. (The construction is happening at night.) They have also moved in heavy construction equipment. There are large steel plates at Trousdale Parkway crossing as well.

It's amazing how fast they could build this thing once they actually start building it.

[whitmanlam]

Tunnel work can be done very fast, efficient, and relatively cheap nowadays. Something to keep in mind for a Downtown Connector or Wilshire Subway extension.
Tunnel construction can someday be competitive with surface tracks and stations, depending on the ground.

[roadtrainer]

Ddear friends:
Somebody please make a million copies and giver it to the Cheviot Hills group:

PROPERTY VALUES

Light rail near homes can actually increase property values.

Other Links
American Public Transportation Association

South Sacramento Cooridor

Friends 4 Expo

Neighboroo
Studies show mass transit can positively affect the value of your home.
Neighborhood Transportation
A 2001 report on the effect of light rail on property values found prices increased for both residential and commercial properties in close proximity to rail stations. The report compiled studies from Portland, OR; San Diego, CA; and Santa Clara County, CA. Values dropped for properties further from rail stations.

Price Point

Property values are dependent on travel times to major employment centers
For low income neighborhoods, the benefit of accessibility to rail outweighs the nuisance of the rail
Property values increase by 3% to 40% when accessible to rail
Slight negative impacts of rail on property values are generally attributed to noise, visual intrusion, and the association of the rail right of way with industrial uses

Sources: “Impacts Of Rail Transit On Property Values.” Roderick B. Diaz. Booz•Allen & Hamilton Inc. “THE EFFECT OF RAIL TRANSIT ON PROPERTY VALUES: A SUMMARY OF STUDIES.” NEORail.


thank You the Raodtrainer--p.s. source " Ëxpossing the Expo-Line"
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[James Fujita]

if you do make a million copies, be sure that you fix the typos first

"South Sacramento Cooridor"

"Neighboroo Studies"

[whitmanlam]

This study only shows property values in close proximity stations, last time I checked there wasn't a station planned in Cheviot Hills.

It's going to take alot more work to convince those people that light rail will help. Perhaps some computer generated visuals of the new park space and bike paths ?

[Gokhan]

Both the Westwood Blvd - Overland Ave station and the Motor Ave - Palms Blvd station will be adjacent to Cheviot Hills, within walking distance from large sections of Cheviot Hills.

The following link advertises Cheviot Hills (then Country Club Highlands) as being served by the Expo Line (then the Air Line) to the beach:

lightrailforcheviot.org/coppermine/displayimage.php?pid=70&fullsize=1

[Elson]

whitmanlam said:

This study only shows property values in close proximity stations, last time I checked there wasn't a station planned in Cheviot Hills.

It's going to take alot more work to convince those people that light rail will help. Perhaps some computer generated visuals of the new park space and bike paths ?

I got a great idea! Get a bunch of people of color to DRIVE to Cheviot Hills (hey, I'll volunteer!) and just hang out there all day. Being offended and disturbed at the sight of minorities, the neighborhood people will FREAK OUT and knowing them they'll probably lobby to get the streets and freeways torn up so no one can get there! LOL...

...Anyway, hopefully they'll get the message that building a train there won't make a difference and that they'll give up or move to Idaho, where they can chant "White Power!" all day at their own convenience.

[wad]

whitmanlam said:

It's going to take alot more work to convince those people that light rail will help. Perhaps some computer generated visuals of the new park space and bike paths ?

Convincing people is overrated.

You don't have to convince people, who are quite resilient in their hard-headedness, to make Expo Line worthwhile. You just have to outorganize and outmaneuver the opposition. This isn't a debating contest, and the Cheviot Hills folks are using every legal and extra-legal method to stop the line.

What are you going to do when Cheviot Hills brings in "renown" consultants such as Cox, O'Toole or Rubin to better convince themselves of their own correctness?

[wad]

And Whitman, Elson has the right idea.

[roadtrainer]

I got a great idea! Get a bunch of people of color to DRIVE to Cheviot Hills (hey, I'll volunteer!) and just hang out there all day. Being offended and disturbed at the sight of minorities, the neighborhood people will FREAK OUT and knowing them they'll probably lobby to get the streets and freeways torn up so no one can get there! LOL...

I'm suprized by the lack of response of South Central, When I hear of the Cheviot Hills people saying that they don't want people of color coming through thier neighborhood, it reveals their true colors! RACIST WHITE POWER! Those who take this position are not true Americans, nor are they True Californians, nor are they true, honest, and hard working people of Los Angeles!
I heard it oversaid that the Cheviot Hills people complain that Pancho and Isabella are going to get fired because they all are tardy too much. Pancho the cook and Isabella the baby sitter ride the buses to get to thier jobs. Now the Expo-line would get them there faster, but theoe mean employers from Cheviot Hills don't want to get them there any faster. Hey Cheviot Hills?? DUH!!!
Signed The Road Trainer

[Elson]

roadtrainer said:

I'm suprized by the lack of response of South Central, When I hear of the Cheviot Hills people saying that they don't want people of color coming through thier neighborhood

Lower-income people are too busy trying to survive and make ends meet than trying to decide which neighborhood to "invade." Many won't even know there's an Exposition Line until it finally opens or at least when the crews lay the tracks. Point being, whatever is spouting from the mouths of the Idiot Hills Racists is pure paranoia.

The Red Line runs pretty close to some upscale neighborhoods in the Hollywood Hills and Los Feliz. Nothing's ever happened in the 7-8 years the line has been running there.

[nicksantangelo]

This topic (property values) is addressed on the newly-released Scoping Meeting results (http://www.buildexpo.org/phase2.htm) by the anti-ROW people, as well as supporters. Suffice to say, I believe my property has risen considerably, and continues to hold steady, thanks to the Gold Line.

Some of these 'arguments' contained in the Scoping results are incredible. The level of fear and ignorance is truly mind-boggling. I highly recommend it for a larf.

I have spoken with some of them and they are intractable.

[roadtrainer]

jfujita said:

if you do make a million copies, be sure that you fix the typos first

Dude, please feel free to spell check the whole web-site! (winning about mis-spelling) sheesh!

[JamesFujita]

hey, it's one thing to make a typo on a message board, it's other thing entirely to make typos on propaganda, official materials, brochures, flyers, etc.

make a mistake when you're handing out material or trying to convince the general public, then you've got a credibility problem.

[roadtrainer]

jamesfujita said:

hey, it's one thing to make a typo on a message board, it's other thing entirely to make typos on propaganda, official materials, brochures, flyers, etc.

make a mistake when you're handing out material or trying to convince the general public, then you've got a credibility problem.

:oSheesh! :oCopy from a web-site and post it to this web-site and get hammered and murdered for mis-quotes! It's the fault of the computer! ;D Sincerely The Roadtrainer!

[whitmanlam]

The one good thing about the Venice / Sepulveda detour Expo Line route is...

It provides great access to Sony studios in Culver City. A station can be placed only a block away from the studio...

Of course, it won't make much difference as...... the Sony Studio management has talked about relocating to Albuqurque, New Mexico !!!

[roadtrainer]

;D New news on the Expo-Line:
It is this observer that the construction of the Expo-line just might surpass the construction wonders of the East L.A. Extension. A water line has to be rerouted (on Figueroa) and a TBM (tunnel boring machine) will tunnel down way beneath the tunnel or porthole (whatever you like to call it) path.
It will Be done first and then the bent* will be drilled and the frame for the tunnel which is the circular rebar (which is about a good couple of inches thick) will be lowered into place and leveled off and then....pour the concrete to get the show on the road. It will be interesting if Modern Marvels or Extreme Engineering on the Discovery Channel could film the building on the line. Dr. Alpern do you have any connections for filming?
Flatiron construction will do the building and digging out the tunnel. These are the guys I talked to who were at the scoping/update meeting held at the Galen Center at USC, and I pumped out the info from them. So I can say my sources are Good!!! sincerely The Roadtrainer.