Construction Activities Get Underway Near First and Lorena Streets For Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension

Friday June 17, 2005

The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension construction project continues to keep pace with the widening of First Street on the north side in the vicinity of Lorena Street. The work will accommodate the construction of the tunnel portal, the installation of soldier piles for the portal and the construction of a new retaining wall to the property containing the Los Angeles County Crematorium and new sidewalks.

The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension which will feature eight stations, (two underground,) will span six miles from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles via the Arts District/Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights to Atlantic/Pomona Boulevards in East Los Angeles. It is forecasted to open in late 2009.

Unitl mid-September, weather permitting, the work hours for these activities will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The only exception will be the installation of the soldier piles, which will take place throughout one weekend to be announced at a later date.

First Street will remain open to traffic with minor diversions to the south side of the street as approved by the Los Angeles Department of  Transportation. Except for the soldier piling operation, which is a seven day a week activity, the traffic on First Street may be restricted at times to one lane in an easterly direction.

The current jogging path and sidewalk along the north side of First Street will be closed during all construction activities. For their safety joggers will be redirected during the temporary closure of this portion of the jogging path. Once these construction activities are completed, the jogging path will be restored back to its original condition.

Parking on the south side of First Street will be allowed during most of the construction.

Alternative parking will be provided at all times on the northeast corner of First/Lorena Streets. Residents who need more information should contact Metro Community Relations at (213) 922-2259.