Edward R. Roybal Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension

Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension Quadrant Gates Project

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is evaluating the installation of rail crossing gates for up to 24 at-grade intersection crossings along the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension (MGLEE). MGLEE is a six-mile light rail train service that extends the Gold Line from Pasadena to Union Station to East Los Angeles. Approximately four miles of the alignment is "street running" and operates at the speed of traffic in the center median of 1st St. and 3rd St. (Approximately two miles of the alignment operate underground.) There are a total of 24 signalized, at-grade intersection crossings in the surface portion of the alignment which are being evaluated for rail crossing gates.

Background

In October 2008, approximately one year prior to the opening of the MGLEE alignment, the Metro Board of Directors directed staff to prepare a feasibility study identifying the requirements for installing rail crossing gates at all at-grade intersection crossings along the alignment as an additional precaution to make drivers and pedestrians aware of the trains. The feasibility study was completed and presented to the Metro Board in October 2009. In November 2009, MGLEE opened for revenue operations, providing service from 4 a.m. through 1 a.m. daily. In December 2009, the Metro Board directed staff to take the necessary steps to install four quadrant gates at 24 intersection crossings along the corridor.

Environmental Analysis

Metro will initiate an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Assessment (EA) during the fall of 2010 in order to fully analyze potential impacts that could result from the construction and operation of the rail crossing gates. Findings will be used to identify the most feasible layout for the proposed rail crossing gates. An Initial Study was completed in June 2010 to identify the following impact areas for analysis in the EIR:

Transportation/Circulation
Land Use/Land Acquisition/Environmental Justice/Community Impacts
Noise
Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Historic Resources/Aesthetics (related to Historic Resources only)

Project Schedule/Next Steps

Scoping Meetings

There are no meetings scheduled at this time, please check back frequently for updates.

Past Community Meeting Presentations

Meeting #1 – April 26, 2011
Meeting #2 – April 28, 2011

Eastside Access Project

If you would like to know more about the Eastside Access Project and/or be added to the mailing list, please contact:

Laura Cornejo
Metro Project Manager
213.922.2885
cornejol@metro.net
One Gateway Plaza, M/S 99-22-02
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952

Chester Britt
Outreach Consultant
Arellano and Associates
909.627.2974
CBritt@ArellanoAssociates.com
13791 Roswell Av., Suite A
Chino, CA 91710

Quadrant Gates Project

If you have questions or want to be notified of upcoming meetings regarding the Safety Gates Project, please contact:

Luzmaria Chavez Outreach Consultant Barrio Planners Inc. 323.726.7734, Ext. 15 luzmaria@barrioplanners.com 5271 E. Beverly Bl. Los Angeles, CA 90022-2020	Henry Gonzalez Metro Community Relations 213.922.3023 gonzalezh@metro.net One Gateway Plaza, M/S 99-4-5 Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952
Eric Carlson Metro Project Manager 213.922.3052 carlsone@metro.net One Gateway Plaza, M/S 99-22-2 Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952

Metro has been working with the Community Advisory Committee and the Boyle Heights community to develop the list of transit related, pedestrian and bicycle improvements that will be implemented as part of the Eastside Access Project. These are now available at Eastside Access Enhancements .

Making the Connection

In November 2009, the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension began to provide residents on the Eastside new light rail transit service. Today the community is better connected to job centers and exciting destinations in Los Angeles County. Now Metro is teaming with the City of Los Angeles to improve pedestrian and bicycle access around four of the Eastside station areas, including:

Pico/Aliso Station
Mariachi Plaza Station
Soto Station
Indiana Station

Project Goals

Metro's design team will identify ways to improve access and safety with improvements that reflect the local culture and community spirit on streets surrounding the stations. To do this, the design team will work with the community members and businesses to identify opportunities, prioritize improvements, and design creative solutions for landscape, public art, lighting and signage on City-owned streets and sidewalks.

Project Benefits

Street improvements around each station will provide a better walking and bicycling experience. These improvements will provide both a healthier environment for the communities as well as an energized atmosphere for businesses.

Funding and Project Partners

In 2008, Los Angeles County voters approved a ½ cent sales tax called Measure R. As part of this funding source, $12 million has been allocated for these improvements. Metro will oversee the planning and initial design and partner with the City of Los Angeles who will oversee construction. Metro and the consultant team will also explore other funding sources and partnering opportunities that can create a sustainable and thriving environment once this initial project is completed.

Schedule and Timing

This is intended to be a model project for Metro and the City of Los Angeles for achieving improvements in a faster timeframe. The design concepts are scheduled to be completed by summer 2011 with implementation on some elements beginning sooner.

Please Participate

The success of this project depends on active community involvement. Metro will be hosting workshops in the community at each station location to get input right on the street. We will also conduct walking tours with community members in a hands-on exercise that will translate into buildable ideas. A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will serve as a steering committee and help determine which improvements are most important to achieve.

Community Meetings