Overview

SR-2 was originally planned and built in 1959 to connect with the Hollywood Freeway (U.S. 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 In 1962, as a result of local community opposition, the full build-out plan was rescinded and construction was terminated at the present SR-2 terminus near Glendale Boulevard and Duane Street. Since then, commuter traffic coming off of and on to SR-2 has passed through the community, primarily along Glendale Boulevard and Alvarado Street, and has contributed to congestion. 

Streetscape and traffic flow improvements have been completed on Glendale Boulevard. However, these improvements will not address the SR-2 Terminus. To this end, through a TEA-21, High Priority Highway Project Authorization, $12 million has been earmarked to upgrade the southern terminus of SR-2 and to address transportation issues and community concerns on Glendale Boulevard.

The purpose of this project is to develop a balanced transportation system serving local and regional transportation needs as well as to reduce congestion and provide improved transportation mobility at the SR-2 Freeway Terminus.

The following are the specific project objectives:

• Better manage traffic flow at the terminus
• Enhance accessibility and safety in the vicinity of the SR-2 terminus
• Develop a freeway terminus that is compatible with existing residential and commercial uses in the immediate vicinity
• Minimize cut-through traffic in neighborhoods in the vicinity of the terminus

On December 10, 2009, the Metro Board of Directors approved the staff recommendation to conduct the required environmental analysis and preliminary engineering of a Hybrid Alternative for inclusion in the Final Environmental Document. 

The Hybrid Alternative combines features from each of the project alternatives that were studied in the environmental review process. The proposed Hybrid Alternative addresses issues and concerns raised during the public comment period and includes several new elements. The Hybrid Alternative proposal requires a full analysis and documentation of its environmental effects prior to a formal approval by Caltrans, the Lead Agency.

The Hybrid Alternative combines features from each of the project alternatives that were studied in the Initial Study/Environmental Assessment dated April 2009.  The proposed Hybrid Alternative addresses issues and concerns raised during the public comment period in the spring of 2009 and includes several new elements.