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Post by bennyp81 on May 23, 2009 12:41:10 GMT -8
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Post by masonite on Dec 29, 2011 11:41:06 GMT -8
Time to close out 2011. Right now, we are in a bit of a depressing time as everything seems to have slowed down and we have had a rash of bad news lately so it seems like a good time to put things in perspective and look forward to 2012.
1. Expo Phase 1 -
Call me crazy, but I still think we are going to see this open in Q2 of 2012 and then to Culver City in Q4. It is always a big celebration any time we open a rail line and this will be a big one.
2. Orange Line Extension Opening -
This will be a minimal ridership generator, but anytime we incorporate Metrolink into our system, I think it is a win. Also, this project is under budget (that never seems to get reported anywhere) and on time so far. Also, this is the first Measure R project.
3. Express Lanes Opening on Harbor Freeway -
It is controversial I know, but I am a supporter. I worry how Metro is handling the implementation though and they need to highlight what transit is exactly going to be funded by the revenues to garner more support for the project.
4. Expo Phase II Construction -
It has been nice to see the ROW mostly cleared out and real work starting here in 2011, but 2012 should see the design finish and some actual construction with the bridge foundations. I live by Bundy so I look forward to seeing the bridgework starting here. Hopefully, we can also put NFSR and their lawsuit to bed once and for all.
5. Gold Line Extension
The basket bridge is moving along and while this project has had some setbacks pushing completion back to 2015, they may be able to get the rest of the line starting construction in 2012 if the legal problems don't derail everything.
6. Crenshaw Line
Again if the lawsuit doesn't derail everything, hopefully a contractor can be selected and possibly even some pre-construction work take place in 2012. We should then know if Leimert Park can get a station and Westchester too.
7. Westside Subway and Downtown Connector EIRs
The Westside Subway EIR is running behind schedule. Just a few months ago, they said its completion would be Fall of 2011. They def. have to cross their t's and dot their i's on this one with a major lawsuit brewing from Beverly Hills, but in early 2012 we should at least know the station locations and have a completed EIR. The Downtown Connector EIR should be released in the first few days of 2012 and to my knowledge this is the only rail project this far along that doesn't have a lawsuit after it (or at least not expected to). To me, these are the most important Measure R projects and have the greatest bang for the buck so hopefully everthing is looking good a year from now.
8. CAHSR?
I am not sure I would bet on this at all, but it is possible that this project could actually begin construction in 2012 in the Central Valley. If it doesn't it is probably all but dead. Somehow we need to get this to Palmdale where we could at least have some mode of rail service between the two major cities in the western half of the continent. Again, I am a fan, because of the fact that once built HSR is often revenue positive and I have ridden in many other countries.
9. 30/10 America Fast Forward?
Again a long shot with Republicans blocking almost all legislation and not wanting to give the President any type of victory with an election coming up, but here is to hoping that this can actually become a reality in the new year. The timing is getting critical with the bidding contracts soon to go out for the Westside Subway and other projects that need 30/10 to move forward in full.
10. Wilshire Busway starts construction?
LADOT just said they wouldn't be able to complete until 2015 instead of 2013, but this may start construction in late 2012 if they can get their act together. This is more than painting a lane and putting signs up as Wilshire Blvd. will need to be widened with an extra lane in that critical zone from the 405 all the way to Barrington.
All in all, not too bad. Looking forward to more bike improvements and some other small projects as well. I really like the green bike lanes, although the ones in Downtown LA look horrible right now.
Lets hope we are in a better mood at the end of 2012....Happy New Year...
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Post by bluelineshawn on Dec 29, 2011 16:00:51 GMT -8
Nice summary. Let's hope that we see some things going right in 2012!  |
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