Overview

The Glendale Freeway (SR-2) was originally planned and constructed in 1959 to connect with the Hollywood Freeway (US-101) through the neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park. In 1962, as a result of local community opposition, the full build-out plan was rescinded and construction was terminated at the present SR-2 terminus near Glendale Bl and Duane St. Since then, commuter traffic coming of and on to SR-2 has passed through the community, primarily along Glendale Bl and Alvarado St and has contributed to congestion. A Federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), High Priority Highway Project Authorization grant was provided to upgrade the southern terminus of SR-2 and address the transportation issues affecting the surrounding communities along Glendale Bl.

The purpose of this project is to develop a balanced transportation system that better serves local and regional transportation needs through improved management of traffic flow; enhanced pedestrian and non-motorized accessibility and safety at the SR-2 terminus; and creation of a context sensitive designed community open space in the immediate vicinity.

Project Status

On December 10, 2009, the Metro Board of Directors authorized completing the required environmental analysis and preliminary engineering of a Hybrid Alternative for inclusion in the Final Environmental Document. The proposed Hybrid Alternative addresses issues and concerns raised during the public comment period and includes several new elements such as retaining the existing flyover connector for/through southbound Glendale Bl traffic, installing ramp meter on existing flyover connector operating during peak hours, enhancing end-of-freeway traffic control devices to slow down off-peak traffic flow, etc. The Final Environmental Document was approved in December 2010 with a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The Hybrid Alternative is recommended to Caltrans as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA), inclusive of the proposed improvements that enhance vehicular and pedestrian safety and create community open space in the SR-2 terminus project area.

The next phase of the project includes preparing the Phase I Plans, Specifications and Engineering (PS&E). Metro contracted with Caltrans for the PS&E in February 2012. Phase 1 will be split into 2 phases, Phase 1A and Phase 1B. Phase 1A will deliver some safety related improvements, such as: a speed feedback sign, refresh striping, lighting and signage; improvements are anticipated to begin in early 2013.

Phase 1B improvements include installation of ramp meter on the approach to the flyover, extend and include a beautification element in the existing raised concrete median on Glendale Blvd and soundwalls.  Final design for Phase 1B is concurrent with Phase 1A, however due to its more complex scope of work, construction is anticipated to begin early 2014.

Phase 2 includes the realignment of the southbound off-ramp east of the bridge adjacent to the northbound on-ramp, demolitionof the existing diamond configured off-ramp and sidewalk construction along Glendale Blvd. This phase of the project is currently not funded; therefore final design will begin after funding is programmed for this work.

Project Schedule

Metro contracted with Caltrans for the PS&E in February 2012.  Phase I will be split into 2 phases. Phase 1A will deliver some safety related improvements earlier.  Phase 1A  PS&E  is expected to be completed by Fall 2012 and construction is expected to begin in early 2013.  Phase 1B is expected to be completed Fall 2013 and construction is expected to begin early 2014.

Project Schedule *

* Preliminary Schedule, subject to change.

Hybrid Alternative

During the alternatives analysis and environmental studies Metro and Caltrans studied six alternatives ranging from the full removal of the bridge and flyover to a No-Build Alternative.  Metro conducted extensive community outreach and valuable input was received from the local community and elected officials throughout the study process.  In December 2009, the Metro Board of Directors considered all the competing technical, environmental and community inputs and approved a Hybrid Alternative to move forward for preliminary engineering and final design. This Hybrid Alternative combines the best features from the range of alternatives considered to addresses the projects Purpose and Need Statement to better manage the traffic and improve safety in the area. 

Components of the Hybrid alternative include the following:

• Retain existing flyover connector for through southbound Glendale Blvd traffic
• Install connector meter on existing flyover connector operating during peak hours
• Enhanced end-of-freeway traffic control devices to slow down off-peak traffic flow
• Realignment of the southbound lanes approaching the terminus beginning at the Route 5/Route 2 Interchange including improved delineation and signage
• Relocation of the off-ramp from the west side of the flyover to the east side of the flyover adjacent to the existing on-ramp with right turn only for traffic destined for northbound Glendale Blvd
• Removal of the sidewalk on the east side of Glendale Blvd between Allesandro Street and the Glendale/Waterloo/Fargo Street intersection
• Reconfiguration of the northbound Glendale Blvd approach to the on-ramp to accommodate the installation of a half-signal for the relocated off-ramp
• Minor modification of the Glendale/Waterloo/Fargo intersection based on the removal of the off-ramp from that intersection
• Availability of excess land generated by the relocation of the off-ramp for future development of community open space
• Remaining half of existing Glendale Bl overcrossing structure available as future connecting pathway for non-motorized transportation use
• Soundwall installation along edge of R./W within the identified limits of the freeway portion of the route
• Add barrier and extensive landscape improvements within the median of Route 2 from Route 5 to the terminus
• Place enhanced crosswalks and intersection paving at the intersections of Glendale Blvd with Allesandro Street and with Waterloo/Fargo Street

Other Considerations

• Possibility for phased implementation of improvements based on availability of funding in order to facilitate early construction opportunity
• Compatibility with any subsequent improvements considered for future implementation at the Glendale/Alvarado intersection or the Route 5 northbound and southbound connectors to southbound Route 2
• Characteristics of Hybrid Alternative
• Hybrid Alternative - Conceptual Drawing from Final IS-EA