Overview
Background
Over the past 30 years, tremendous population and employment growth, worsening congestion, changing land uses and traffic patterns, as well as Metro’s challenge to meet transit demand, have led to the need to improve mobility in the Westside Corridor.
Against this background, the Metro Board of Directors authorized an Alternatives Analysis Study for the Westside Transit Corridor Extension, which began in Fall 2007 and was completed in winter 2008/09. The Study reviewed changes and shifts in population, development, employment, and travel patterns. The results and recommendations from the Study will be presented to the Metro Board of Directors for approval in January 2009. The initiation of a full environmental analysis process may then be authorized.
The Westside Extension Transit Corridor Alternatives Analysis Study looked at various modes, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with dedicated bus lanes, as well as at-grade, below-grade, and above-grade rail options, and at least two alignments respectively along Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards. Two alignment recommendations emerged out of the study, a Wilshire subway and a Wilshire-West Hollywood combined subway from the 19 alternatives identified as part of the scoping process.
Study Area
The 38 square mile study corridor extends from the existing Metro Rail Hollywood/Highland and Wilshire/Western Stations to the Pacific Ocean. The northern boundary of the study area follows the base of the Santa Monica Mountains along Hollywood, Sunset and San Vicente Boulevards. The southern boundary follows Pico Boulevard. The overall study area is approximately 38 square miles. Study area map.
Study Schedule
| COMPLETED: | |
| Early Scoping Meetings | October/November 2007 |
| Definition of Alternatives | January/February 2008 |
| Initial Screening of Alternatives and Community Update | May 2008 |
| AA Study Report and Community Update | Fall 2008 |
| AA Study Report and Community Update | Fall 2008 |
| UPCOMING: | |
| Recommendations to Metro Board | January 2009 |