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:
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Laura Cornejo
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Chester Britt
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Quadrant Gates Project
If you have questions or want to be notified of upcoming meetings regarding the Safety Gates Project, please contact:
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Luzmaria Chavez
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Henry Gonzalez
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Eric Carlson
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The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension connects East LA by rail to Downtown LA, Hollywood, Pasadena, Long Beach and dozens of points in between. With eight stations serving diverse LA neighborhoods such as the Arts District, Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights, it’s easy to skip the traffic and discover dining, entertainment, shopping and cultural attractions quickly and inexpensively.
Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension features include:
- Six miles long
- Directly connects to existing Metro Gold Line to Pasadena without passengers having to transfer
- Eight new stations, two of which are underground
- New public artworks at stations
- Twin tunnels under Boyle Heights: 1.8 miles long
- A budget of $898 million
- Start of construction: 2004
- Grand opening: November 15, 2009
- Powered electrically with overhead catenary wires
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
There are no meetings scheduled at this time, please check back frequently for updates.
Past Community Meeting Presentations
Meeting #1 - June 22 & 25, 2011
- Meeting Boards
- Bike Friendly Streets
- Decorative Bike Lanes
- Pedestrian Improvements
- Pico/Aliso & Mercado Streetscapes
- Arts & Civic Center Streetscape
- Healthy Streets
- Garden Street
- First & Cummings Plaza