Foothill Extension: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Light rail extension project in Los Angeles County, California}} |
{{Short description|Light rail extension project in Los Angeles County, California}} |
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{{Use American English|date=July 2024}} |
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{{Infobox rail line |
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| name = {{LACMTA link logo}} Foothill Extension Project {{LACMTA icon|A}} |
| name = {{LACMTA link logo}} Foothill Extension Project {{LACMTA icon|A}} |
Revision as of 09:47, 9 July 2024
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![]() Foothill Freeway overpass east of Sierra Madre Villa station | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Overview | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Status | First phase complete, second phase to Pomona under construction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Locale | Los Angeles, Pasadena, Azusa, Pomona | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Termini |
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Stations | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Type | Light rail | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
System | Los Angeles Metro Rail | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operator(s) | ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
History | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Opened | March 5, 2016 Early-January 2025 (Phase 2B to Pomona) 2030 (to Montclair Transcenter) | (Phase 2A)||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technical | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Line length | 20.6 mi (33.2 km) (overall) 11.3 mi (18.2 km) (Phase 2A only) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electrification | Overhead line, 750 V DC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Foothill Extension Project, formerly known as the Gold Line Foothill Extension Project, is an extension of the Los Angeles Metro Rail A Line light rail line from the former Gold Line terminus in Pasadena, California, at Sierra Madre Villa station, east through the "Foothill Cities" of Los Angeles County. The plan's first stage, Phase 2A, extended the then-Gold Line from Pasadena to Azusa; it opened on March 5, 2016. Phase 2B, which will extend the now A Line a further four stations to Pomona–North Metrolink station, broke ground in December 2017.[1] A further 3.2-mile (5.1 km) two-station extension to Montclair Transcenter is planned for completion in 2030.[2][3]
The corridor extension forms a part of the Los Angeles Metro Rail system. It is being planned and implemented by Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, simply known as Foothill Gold Line.[4][2] In addition to enhancing mobility in one of the most congested metropolitan areas in the United States, the 23.9-mile project (38.5 km) is seen as an economic catalyst for the region, generating 6,900 jobs during the construction phase and creating infill and transit-oriented development opportunities.[5]
With the Regional Connector having opened on June 16, 2023,[6] the north (Pasadena–Azusa–Pomona) branch of the then-L/Gold Line was absorbed into the A Line with blue coloring, providing service from Long Beach via Downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena to Azusa.[7][8][9]
The agency managing the project, Foothill Gold Line,[10] is a joint powers authority governed by appointees from Metro, SBCTA, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, and the cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena, and Los Angeles.
Route
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Gold_Line_Map_%28Future%29_of_the_Los_Angeles_County_Metro_System.png/300px-Gold_Line_Map_%28Future%29_of_the_Los_Angeles_County_Metro_System.png)
The entire 23.9-mile (38.5 km) route (Phase 2A and 2B) of the Foothill Extension follows the roadbed of the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway's Second Division through the Foothill Cities. These cities are in the foothills south of the San Gabriel Mountains, in the northern San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Beginning at the former L Line terminus at Sierra Madre Villa station in East Pasadena, the route extends roughly east, ending in Montclair. The route parallels several major roads and highways, including I-210 (Foothill Freeway), Huntington Drive, and Foothill Boulevard.[11]
Planning and Phase 2A
The Foothill Extension was initially conceived as Phase 2 of the Gold Line. The route between Los Angeles and Pasadena is considered "Phase 1"; calling the Foothill Extension Phase 2 turned out to be a misnumbering, as the Gold Line Eastside Extension was completed in 2009 between the two phases.[citation needed] The Gold Line Construction Authority (now Foothill Gold Line), which took over the Phase 1 project from Metro in 1999, is also coordinating the Phase 2 projects.
The initial draft environmental impact report (DEIR) for the Foothill Extension was completed in April 2006 and covered the entire corridor between Sierra Madre Villa station in Pasadena and Montclair. The Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) study assessed two different construction options: an LRT Full Build alternative, which would complete the full extension to Montclair, and an LRT Build To Azusa alternative, which would extend only to Azusa; this was dubbed Phase 2A. On February 28, 2007, the Construction Authority Board certified the Final EIR and decided to complete the "LRT Build to Azusa" alternative.[12]
In October 2009, the Metro board unanimously voted to include the Foothill Extension in its long-range plan and approved funding for the construction and operation of Phase 2A. A groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2A was held on June 26, 2010;[13] construction began the following summer and was completed in September 2015, with the extension entering service on March 5, 2016. The original project budget for Phase 2A was $690 million, including not only construction but also the purchase of vehicles, financing, administrative costs, mitigation, and other costs;[14] in March 2011, the Construction Authority requested a $45 million increase in total budget, to $735 million, to reflect updated cost estimates.[15]
Phase 2B to Montclair
Phase 2B is the project to extend the A Line from the Phase 2A terminus in Azusa east to Montclair. The Final EIR was certified by the Authority Board in March 2013.[16]
Proposed station listing
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Montclair_Transcenter.jpg/220px-Montclair_Transcenter.jpg)
Phase 2B is 12.6 miles (20.3 km) long and will take approximately 17.9 minutes to traverse.[11] The alignment will have six new Metro stations: Glendora; San Dimas; La Verne; and Pomona with a connection to the Metrolink San Bernardino Line; Claremont Metrolink station with a connection to the Metrolink San Bernardino Line; and Montclair Transcenter with a connection to the Metrolink San Bernardino Line and the Foothill Transit Silver Streak.
Foothill Gold Line expects 17,800 riders by 2035.[17]
Status
Planning for the Foothill Extension Phase 2B (Azusa to Montclair) began in 2003, and significant work has been completed for the segment. The Final EIR for the project was certified by the Construction Authority board in March 2013, and advanced conceptual engineering began in 2014. On June 23, 2017, LA Metro's board of directors approved a $1.4 billion budget Thursday to extend the A Line (then the Gold Line) from APU/Citrus College station to Claremont, 11.5 miles (18.5 km) to the east.[18] It is expected to cost an additional $70 million to extend the A Line from Claremont to Montclair, across county lines.[19]
Phase 2B of the Foothill Extension is composed of Project 1 and Project 2.[20] Project 1 is the relocation of freight railroad tracks, which is complete. Project 2 is the construction of the light rail line itself the A Line utilizes, which started construction in 2022.[20](more information below)
On December 2, 2017, officials broke ground for Phase 2B in a ceremony at Citrus College. The cost of the project is estimated at $1.5 billion.[1] Completion of Phase 2B (including Montclair Transcenter) is expected by early 2026.[20]
On July 10, 2020, major construction began on Phase 2B, building four stations from Azusa to Pomona, with service estimated to start in early-January 2025.[21] Full construction to Claremont and Montclair by 2028 depends on additional funding to be secured by October 2021.[22]
On September 10, 2021, state funding was past due for constructing the route further east of Pomona. This pushed the opening date to Montclair back, as well as outright placing the 3.2-mile segment at risk of cancellation altogether.[23] However, Foothill Gold Line was persistent in seeking funding, and on July 8, 2024, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) released close to $500 million for the project, with the remaining funds for the $798 million project to be allocated by the end of 2024. The project's construction contract award is set for spring 2025 and should take five years to complete and open by 2030.[3]
Construction
The first part of the construction, starting in August, focused on reconstructing the 28 at-grade crossings and relocating utilities. Gladstone Street in San Dimas was the first one to begin. Nearly all reconstructions commenced and finished in late 2022. As of June 2023[update], the at-grade crossing reconstruction is complete.[24]
The freight/light rail bridges over channels and washes began in 2021, relocating and building new bridges to facilitate the freight and the A Line (then known as the L Line). These bridges were the first to finish as they didn't impact vehicular traffic. The light rail bridges, crossing major streets, began briefly. As required by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the light rail crossing at Foothill Blvd, Route 66, Lone Hill Blvd, and Bonita/Cataract Ave needs to be grade-separated (light rail only) with a flyover bridge. Those bridges feature the neighborhood's citrus design and will include local artwork. All of them are substantially complete.[25]
The more complex component was the freight track relocation. The freight originally existed in the middle of the corridor, leaving no room for the light rail extension. To create space, the construction authority relocated it to the north side (south side west of Lone Hill Blvd) of the alignment. It is complete as of October 2022.[26] With the relocation work finished, crews began work on the light rail system by installing the overhead line, train control systems, and the light rail track. On June 24, 2023, an event held in La Verne culminated in the installation of the 230,630th rail clip (rail clips permanently attach the steel rail to the concrete railroad ties), officially completing major construction for the new light rail tracks from Glendora to Pomona.[27]
Currently, crews are focusing on final system work, active train testing,[28] constructing the four stations, and integrating artwork throughout the alignment's stations and bridges. Station construction is 69% complete.[29]
As of July 2024[update], the extension to Pomona is 85% complete,[29] on budget, and is expected to open for revenue service in early 2025.[21]
Proposed phase to Ontario Airport
California State Legislator Chris Holden (D - Pasadena), who represents California's 41st State Assembly district, proposed a measure in January 2020 that would extend the final phase from Montclair to Ontario International Airport. The planned terminus in Montclair is six miles (9.7 km) from the airport. Measure AB 2011 would form the project's San Bernardino County Rail Construction authority.[30]
References
- ^ a b "Extension of Gold Line rail system to San Bernardino County breaks ground". Los Angeles Times. December 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
- ^ a b "Gold Line Foothill Extension". Metro (LACMTA). Retrieved November 22, 2014.
- ^ a b Scauzillo, Steve (July 8, 2024). "State funds Pomona-to-Montclair light rail, first LA Metro project to San Bernardino County". Los Angeles Daily News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
- ^ "Foothill Gold Line (official project website)". Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
- ^ "Economic Impact Study: Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Phase 2A" (PDF). Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. January 11, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 10, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
- ^ Von Quednow, Cindy (June 16, 2023). "Metro Regional Connector opens in Los Angeles, bringing more direct access to downtown". KTLA. Nexstar Media Group. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
- ^ "Prepare for Our "Gold Line" to Be The "Blue Line"". ColoradoBoulevard.net. September 25, 2017. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
- ^ "Regional Connector Transit Corridor". US Department of Transportation. January 20, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
- ^ "The Metro Blue Line will soon be called the 'A Line' • Long Beach Post". lbpost.com. December 8, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
- ^ FoothillGoldLine.org
- ^ a b "Gold Line Phase II Final Environment Impact Report: Chapter 2 - Alternatives" (PDF). Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority. February 2007. pp. 2–100. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
- ^ "Board resolution to certify FEIR" (PDF). Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority. February 28, 2007. Retrieved September 21, 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Metro Gold Line Breaks Ground". KABC-TV. June 26, 2010. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved September 21, 2010.
- ^ "Project Overview and Status, presentation to the Design-Build Institute of America" (PDF). March 10, 2010. Retrieved September 21, 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2012. Retrieved March 23, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Azusa to Montclair Final EIR". Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
- ^ Neal Broverman (August 21, 2012). "Plans Released for Gold Line Train to San Bernardino County". Curbed Los Angeles. Vox Media Inc. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ^ "Metro Gold Line Extension to Claremont Montclair". Curbed L.A. June 23, 2017.
- ^ "Foothill Gold Line". www.foothillgoldline.org. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
- ^ a b c "Glendora to Montclair Work Plan" (PDF). Foothill Gold Line. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
- ^ a b "Background". Foothill Gold Line. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ "Major Construction Begins on Foothill Gold Line Extension Project". NBC Los Angeles. July 10, 2020. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
- ^ Scauzillo, Steve (September 10, 2021). "Hopes Dashed for Light Rail Line Extension From Pomona to Montclair". Los Angeles Daily News. MediaNews Group. Daily Bulletin. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
- ^ "Foothill Gold Line E-News Update – 2022 Year-End Review; What to Expect in 2023". Foothill Gold Line. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ "Project Progress - Q2 2023". YouTube. Foothill Gold Line. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
- ^ "Foothill Gold Line E-News Update – October 2022 Project and Community Updates". Foothill Gold Line. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ "Video, Photo & Media Recap: Completion of Major Work on New Light Rail Track System from Glendora to Pomona". I Will Ride Blog. June 27, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
- ^ "🚧🚊 CONSTRUCTION ALERT: Active Train Testing from Glendora to Pomona Begins Monday, July 8 📅 July 8 - Dec. 31 📍 Grade crossings in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne & Pomona 🚗🚶 Stay Safe: - Never walk on the train tracks - Never go around the lowered gates and follow all safety instructions - Obey all warning signs and watch for trains from both directions 👀". Facebook. Foothill Gold Line. July 8, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
- ^ a b "Project Progress - Q2 2024". Youtube. Foothill Gold Line. July 8, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
- ^ "Lawmaker pushes LA Metro Gold Line extension to Ontario Airport". January 29, 2020.
External links
- Foothill Gold Line – the construction authority overseeing this project.
- Foothill Extension – the official Metro project page.
- Los Angeles Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension: A Photo Essay