http://south.pasadenanow.com/caltrans-and-metro-release-draft-environmental-document-on-proposal-to-close-sr-710-gap/
March 6, 2015
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Los
Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today
released a Draft Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact
Statement (EIR/EIS) on proposals regarding the 4.5 mile gap between the
I-210 Freeway in Pasadena and the end of the I-710 freeway in East Los
Angeles.
The five alternatives proposed in the Draft EIR/EIS are:
No Build option that would leave conditions as they are
A traffic management system to upgrade and synchronize signals and
improvements to local street intersections to more quickly move traffic
that exits the dead end freeway
A rapid bus line featuring high frequency service with minimal stops and potentially a dedicated bus lane
Light rail to carry passengers between East Los Angeles and Pasadena
A freeway tunnel that would extend the SR-710
No decisions have been made on any proposed alternative in the Draft
EIR/EIS. A 120-day public comment period begins with the release of the
document. Two public hearings will be held for community input, the
first will be on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Rosco C. Ingalls
Auditorium on the campus of East Los Angeles College. There will be a 10
a.m. to 11 a.m. map viewing and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. public hearing. The
second will be on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at the Pasadena Convention
Center: A map viewing will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the public
hearing will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A third public hearing will
be scheduled with date, time and place to be determined.
“We look forward to receiving valuable input from communities and the
public on this critically important transportation issue that has
affected not only this area, but the region, for decades,” said Caltrans
District 7 Director Carrie Bowen. “The feedback we receive is a vital
part of the project development process and helps inform the selection
of a preferred alternative.”
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the public hearings and
read the document at
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/resources/envdocs/docs/710study/draft_eir-eis.
Public comment can be made on the link provided. The public comment
period ends July 6, 2015.
The full document can be viewed at the Caltrans District Office at 100
South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Copies are also available at
public libraries listed here:
http://www.metro.net/projects/sr-710-conversations/
An EIR is required to comply with the California Environmental Quality
Act and an EIS fulfills requirements of the National Environmental
Policy Act. The laws require government agencies to identify the
significant environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid,
minimize or mitigate any adverse effects. Information from public
comments will be weighed before preparing the final environmental
document.
Altogether, approximately 26 detailed technical studies are included in the Draft EIR/EIS.
Through the process of compiling the Draft EIR/EIS, Metro and Caltrans
conducted 92 community meetings, participated in six city-sponsored
community forums and held over 200 briefings with community
stakeholders.
Purpose
Friday, March 6, 2015
Busway option to close 710 freeway gap would cost five times early estimate
http://www.scpr.org/news/2015/03/06/50226/busway-option-to-close-710-freeway-gap-would-cost/
By Sharon McNary, March 6, 2015
An I-5 exit sign with an I-710 pull-through sign, northbound.
A middle of the road option - adding an extensive network of buses,
feeder lines and shelters, would cost $241 million, according to
Caltrans - many times more than the $50 million estimated in a 2012
preliminary report.
Metro spokesman Paul Gonzales said the agency had no comment on why the cost estimates for bus service went up, nor why traffic management options went down in price by $15 million.
Measure R, the county's half-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects, raised $780 million for closing the 710 Freeway gap, which is more than enough for improving traffic flow on current streets and adding bus service - but not nearly enough for a freeway tunnel or a new light rail line, which the report said would cost $2.5 billion.
The fifth option is to build nothing.
An estimated 110,000 vehicles currently make the trek between the two freeways on surface streets every day and the 1,200-page report looked at the environmental impacts of each of the options.
This is the latest step in the decades-long saga over how to close the 4.5-mile gap between the 21o and 710 freeways.
In 1933, state transportation officials envisioned a highway extending from Long Beach to Pasadena. And in 1959, the 710 Freeway was designed, but its construction stopped at Valley Blvd. in Alhambra. The cities of the San Gabriel Valley and beyond have been at odds over how to connect the freeways ever since.
Opposition to a surface freeway by South Pasadena, La Canada-Flintridge, Glendale and Los Angeles killed that option.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees transit and highways within Los Angeles County, has whittled 42 options down to the five which were studied in the report released Friday.
If chosen, the 5-mile freeway tunnel, bored underneath South Pasadena and Alhambra, would be California's longest traffic tunnel, twice as long as Boston's Big Dig tunnel.
Depending on its size and method of construction, it would cost $3 billion to $5.5 billion. Another source of money would have to be found to pay for the billions that exceed what was raised by Measure R, Gonzales said.
The agency will start receiving public comment on the report March 12. At least two meetings will be held:
The Board will then decide which action to pursue. That decision is not likely to be finalized until 2016, Gonzales said.
The report is available online, and in four languages at 22 city and county public libraries throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
By Sharon McNary, March 6, 2015
An I-5 exit sign with an I-710 pull-through sign, northbound.
A new study puts a price tag on
five options to close the 710 freeway gap - from $105 million to
re-design existing surface streets to as much as $5.5 billion for a five
mile freeway tunnel.
Metro spokesman Paul Gonzales said the agency had no comment on why the cost estimates for bus service went up, nor why traffic management options went down in price by $15 million.
Measure R, the county's half-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects, raised $780 million for closing the 710 Freeway gap, which is more than enough for improving traffic flow on current streets and adding bus service - but not nearly enough for a freeway tunnel or a new light rail line, which the report said would cost $2.5 billion.
The fifth option is to build nothing.
An estimated 110,000 vehicles currently make the trek between the two freeways on surface streets every day and the 1,200-page report looked at the environmental impacts of each of the options.
This is the latest step in the decades-long saga over how to close the 4.5-mile gap between the 21o and 710 freeways.
In 1933, state transportation officials envisioned a highway extending from Long Beach to Pasadena. And in 1959, the 710 Freeway was designed, but its construction stopped at Valley Blvd. in Alhambra. The cities of the San Gabriel Valley and beyond have been at odds over how to connect the freeways ever since.
Opposition to a surface freeway by South Pasadena, La Canada-Flintridge, Glendale and Los Angeles killed that option.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which oversees transit and highways within Los Angeles County, has whittled 42 options down to the five which were studied in the report released Friday.
If chosen, the 5-mile freeway tunnel, bored underneath South Pasadena and Alhambra, would be California's longest traffic tunnel, twice as long as Boston's Big Dig tunnel.
Depending on its size and method of construction, it would cost $3 billion to $5.5 billion. Another source of money would have to be found to pay for the billions that exceed what was raised by Measure R, Gonzales said.
The agency will start receiving public comment on the report March 12. At least two meetings will be held:
- Saturday, April 11 at East Los Angeles College, Roscoe Ingalls Auditorium, map viewing 10 to 11 a.m., public hearing 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 14 at Pasadena Convention Center, map viewing 5 to 6 p.m., public hearing 6 to 9 p.m.
The Board will then decide which action to pursue. That decision is not likely to be finalized until 2016, Gonzales said.
The report is available online, and in four languages at 22 city and county public libraries throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
City officials to study draft EIR for SR-710 north study (City of San Gabriel, CA)
http://article.wn.com/view/2015/03/06/City_officials_to_study_draft_EIR_for_SR710_north_study_City/
March 6, 2015
March 6, 2015
City officials to study draft EIR for SR-710 north study
City officials plan to review the draft environmental impact report for
the SR-710 Study, released Friday by Caltrans and the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
The draft environmental document examines five possible alternatives for the project, which could impact the city of San Gabriel. The city will study the report and staff plans to present information on its contents to the City Council for review. The city also plans to host a community event on the issue to inform residents about the potential project options.
"We have been looking forward the release of the draft environmental impact report for the SR-710 North project," Public Works Director Daren Grilley said. "We are eager to see what information, analysis and recommendations are contained in the document."
Metro will accept public comments on the document for 120 days. Metro will also host public hearings at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at East Los Angeles College, Rosco Ingalls Auditorium, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, and at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14 at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green Street, Pasadena. Metro has planned a third public hearing but has not confirmed a date or location. Metro plans to release a final version of the EIR, with a preferred alternative, in 2016.
To view a copy of the report, visit
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/resources/envdocs/docs/710study/draft_eir-eis. A hard copy of the report will also be available for review at the San Gabriel Library and San Gabriel City Hall. Please see the attached release from Metro for more information.
The draft environmental document examines five possible alternatives for the project, which could impact the city of San Gabriel. The city will study the report and staff plans to present information on its contents to the City Council for review. The city also plans to host a community event on the issue to inform residents about the potential project options.
"We have been looking forward the release of the draft environmental impact report for the SR-710 North project," Public Works Director Daren Grilley said. "We are eager to see what information, analysis and recommendations are contained in the document."
Metro will accept public comments on the document for 120 days. Metro will also host public hearings at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at East Los Angeles College, Rosco Ingalls Auditorium, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, and at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14 at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green Street, Pasadena. Metro has planned a third public hearing but has not confirmed a date or location. Metro plans to release a final version of the EIR, with a preferred alternative, in 2016.
To view a copy of the report, visit
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/resources/envdocs/docs/710study/draft_eir-eis. A hard copy of the report will also be available for review at the San Gabriel Library and San Gabriel City Hall. Please see the attached release from Metro for more information.
ity officials to study draft EIR for SR-710 north study
City officials plan to review the draft environmental impact report for
the SR-710 Study, released Friday by Caltrans and the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
The draft environmental document examines five possible alternatives for the project, which could impact the city of San Gabriel. The city will study the report and staff plans to present information on its contents to the City Council for review. The city also plans to host a community event on the issue to inform residents about the potential project options.
"We have been looking forward the release of the draft environmental impact report for the SR-710 North project," Public Works Director Daren Grilley said. "We are eager to see what information, analysis and recommendations are contained in the document."
Metro will accept public comments on the document for 120 days. Metro will also host public hearings at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at East Los Angeles College, Rosco Ingalls Auditorium, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, and at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14 at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green Street, Pasadena. Metro has planned a third public hearing but has not confirmed a date or location. Metro plans to release a final version of the EIR, with a preferred alternative, in 2016.
To view a copy of the report, visit
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/resources/envdocs/docs/710study/draft_eir-eis. A hard copy of the report will also be available for review at the San Gabriel Library and San Gabriel City Hall. Please see the attached release from Metro for more information.
- See more at: http://www.noodls.com/view/6E54925993121A124736A2D30A3ECD3ABD6CB598?4558xxx1425680082#sthash.xbPcH8Vl.dpufThe draft environmental document examines five possible alternatives for the project, which could impact the city of San Gabriel. The city will study the report and staff plans to present information on its contents to the City Council for review. The city also plans to host a community event on the issue to inform residents about the potential project options.
"We have been looking forward the release of the draft environmental impact report for the SR-710 North project," Public Works Director Daren Grilley said. "We are eager to see what information, analysis and recommendations are contained in the document."
Metro will accept public comments on the document for 120 days. Metro will also host public hearings at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at East Los Angeles College, Rosco Ingalls Auditorium, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, and at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14 at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green Street, Pasadena. Metro has planned a third public hearing but has not confirmed a date or location. Metro plans to release a final version of the EIR, with a preferred alternative, in 2016.
To view a copy of the report, visit
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/resources/envdocs/docs/710study/draft_eir-eis. A hard copy of the report will also be available for review at the San Gabriel Library and San Gabriel City Hall. Please see the attached release from Metro for more information.
What’s New in the House Amtrak Bill?
http://usa.streetsblog.org/2015/03/05/whats-new-in-the-house-amtrak-bill/
By Angie Schmitt, March 5, 2015
Advocates for bikes aboard trains consider this bill a victory.
In what’s being called a “rare burst of bipartisanship,” the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill yesterday reauthorizing Amtrak funding for four years at its current levels.
Despite a last-minute, Koch brothers-backed push to eliminate funding for the railroad completely, the House advanced its bill to provide Amtrak with $1.7 billion annually for four years. It’s not the funding boost rail advocates were hoping for, but it’s not a setback either, keeping funding fairly steady.
The bill also contains a few interesting amendments that seek to make the nation’s intercity rail carrier more efficient and passenger-friendly.
The Northeast Corridor Can Reinvest Its Profits
The Northeast Corridor, running between Boston and Washington, is Amtrak’s most profitable service, generating a combined operating surplus of $205 million in 2011, according to the Brookings Institution. More than 35 percent of all Amtrak trips are on these tracks. But those operating profits have been sunk back into Amtrak’s money-losing routes — mainly long-distance ones serving inland cities.
The new bill will allow profits from the Northeast Corridor to be reinvested in its infrastructure, which is infamously decrepit.
Pressure for Roll-On Bike Service
Advocates were excited about this one, but it’s not quite as exciting as some have suggested. An amendment offered by Congressman Dan Lipinski will force the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General to study and consider passengers using “non-motorized” transportation. Bike advocates around the country pushed for this because they hope it will pressure the agency to allow standard roll-on bike service, so travelers can easily bring bikes with them. Most routes currently require passengers to disassemble bikes and transport them in a special box.
A growing number of routes, under political pressure, have begun offering roll-on service. Amtrak announced last year that it was adding new baggage cars on its long-distance routes equipped for transporting assembled bikes, but most routes still do not offer the service.
Full-Cost Food Service
Score one for fiscal conservatism. House Republicans made hay a few years ago when an audit revealed that Amtrak had lost more than $800 million on its food service in the span of a decade. An amendment from Republican Congressman Paul Gozar of Arizona will require the agency to include the price of labor in its food sales. That means coffee and those fancy sit-down dinners should be getting more expensive. And the GOP will have to find a new punching bag.
By Angie Schmitt, March 5, 2015
Advocates for bikes aboard trains consider this bill a victory.
In what’s being called a “rare burst of bipartisanship,” the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill yesterday reauthorizing Amtrak funding for four years at its current levels.
Despite a last-minute, Koch brothers-backed push to eliminate funding for the railroad completely, the House advanced its bill to provide Amtrak with $1.7 billion annually for four years. It’s not the funding boost rail advocates were hoping for, but it’s not a setback either, keeping funding fairly steady.
The bill also contains a few interesting amendments that seek to make the nation’s intercity rail carrier more efficient and passenger-friendly.
The Northeast Corridor Can Reinvest Its Profits
The Northeast Corridor, running between Boston and Washington, is Amtrak’s most profitable service, generating a combined operating surplus of $205 million in 2011, according to the Brookings Institution. More than 35 percent of all Amtrak trips are on these tracks. But those operating profits have been sunk back into Amtrak’s money-losing routes — mainly long-distance ones serving inland cities.
The new bill will allow profits from the Northeast Corridor to be reinvested in its infrastructure, which is infamously decrepit.
Pressure for Roll-On Bike Service
Advocates were excited about this one, but it’s not quite as exciting as some have suggested. An amendment offered by Congressman Dan Lipinski will force the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General to study and consider passengers using “non-motorized” transportation. Bike advocates around the country pushed for this because they hope it will pressure the agency to allow standard roll-on bike service, so travelers can easily bring bikes with them. Most routes currently require passengers to disassemble bikes and transport them in a special box.
A growing number of routes, under political pressure, have begun offering roll-on service. Amtrak announced last year that it was adding new baggage cars on its long-distance routes equipped for transporting assembled bikes, but most routes still do not offer the service.
Full-Cost Food Service
Score one for fiscal conservatism. House Republicans made hay a few years ago when an audit revealed that Amtrak had lost more than $800 million on its food service in the span of a decade. An amendment from Republican Congressman Paul Gozar of Arizona will require the agency to include the price of labor in its food sales. That means coffee and those fancy sit-down dinners should be getting more expensive. And the GOP will have to find a new punching bag.
SR-710 Draft EIR/EIS has been released.
From Sylvia Plummer, March 6, 2015
Map Viewing 5 pm - 6 pm
Public Hearing 6 pm - 9 pm
Pasadena Convention Center
300 East Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
1. Number of Pages = 26,625
2. Public Hearings - Mark Your
Calendars and plan to attend
Sunday, April 11 - 10 am to 4 pm
Map Viewing
10 am to 11 am
Public Hearing
11 am to 4 pm
East Los Angeles College, Rosco Ingalls Auditorium
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Tuesday, April 14 - 5 pm - 9pm
East Los Angeles College, Rosco Ingalls Auditorium
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Tuesday, April 14 - 5 pm - 9pm
Map Viewing 5 pm - 6 pm
Public Hearing 6 pm - 9 pm
Pasadena Convention Center
300 East Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
Third meeting to be determined
3. Comment Period = 120 Days
Public comments are due prior to July 6, 2015
NO710.com will have information on how to comment
within a few days
4. Link to SR-710 Draft EIR/EIS
Environmental Documents
SR710 - Draft EIR-EIS
- SR 710 No. Study Draft EIR_EIS Vol I (Report)
- SR 710 No. Study Draft EIR_EIS Vol II (Appendices)
- Executive Summary
Technical Studies
- Air Quality Analysis
- Community Impact Assessment
- Cumulative Impacts Assessment
- Drainage Report
- Energy Technical Report
- Geologic Hazard Evaluation
- Groundborne Noise and Vibration Impacts
- Health Risk Assessment
- Historic
Property Survey Report
- SR 710 Historic Property Survey Report.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach A Maps all.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach B Bridge Lists.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach C1 Historical Resources Evaluation Report.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach C2 DPR Forms APE Map 3A Properties.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach C3 DPR Forms APE Map 3B Properties.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach C4 DPR Forms APE Map 3C Properties.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach C5 DPR Forms Historic Districts.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach D ASR.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach E Native American Consultation.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach F Records Search.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach G Historical Outreach.pdf
- SR 710 HPSR Attach H Determination Docs.pdf
- Location Hydraulic Study
- Natural Environment Study
- Noise Abatement Decision Report
- Noise Study Report
- Paleo Identification Evaluation Report
- Phase I Initial Site Assessment
- Prelim
Geotechnical Report
- A-13-015_CorePhotos.pdf
- A-13-016_CorePhotos.pdf
- A-13-017_CorePhotos.pdf
- A-13-022_CorePhotos.pdf
- A-13-024_CorePhotos.pdf
- A-13-025_CorePhotos.pdf
- A-13-026_CorePhotos.pdf
- A-13-027_CorePhotos.pdf
- A-13-034_CorePhotos.pdf
- A-13-035_CorePhotos.pdf
- O-13-010_CorePhotos.pdf
- O-13-023_CorePhotos.pdf
- R-09-Z1B8_CorePhotos.pdf
- R-09-Z2B5_CorePhotos.pdf
- R-09-Z3B11_CorePhotos.pdf
- R-09-Z3B12_CorePhotos.pdf
- R-09-Z3B2_CorePhotos.pdf
- R-09-Z3B3_CorePhotos.pdf
- R-09-Z3B4_CorePhotos.pdf
- R-09-Z3B6_CorePhotos.pdf
- R-09-Z3B8_CorePhotos.pdf
- R-09-Z4B4_CorePhotos.pdf
- RC-13-002_CorePhotos.pdf
- RC-13-003_CorePhotos.pdf
- RC-13-004_CorePhotos.pdf
- RC-13-005_CorePhotos.pdf
- RC-13-006_CorePhotos.pdf
- RC-13-007_CorePhotos.pdf
- RC-13-009_CorePhotos.pdf
- SR 710 Prelim Geotech App A.1 CurrentLogs.pdf
- SR 710 Prelim Geotech App A.2 PreviousBoringsLogs.pdf
- SR 710 Prelim Geotech App B In Situ Test Results.pdf
- SR 710 Prelim Geotech App C Groundwater Monitor.pdf
- SR 710 Prelim Geotech App D Laboratory Test Results.pdf
- SR 710 Prelim Geotech App E Fault Rupture Memo.pdf
- SR 710 Prelim Geotech App F Prelim EQ ARS TM.pdf
- SR 710 Prelim Geotech App G Fault Invest.pdf
- SR 710 Prelim Geotech Figures and Plates.pdf
- SR 710 Prelim Geotech Report.pdf
-
SR 710 Prelim Geotech App A.3 CorePhotos
Files
- Relocation Impact Report
- Storm Water Data Report
- Summary Floodplain Encroachment Report
- Transportation Technical Report
- Tunnel Evaluation
- Tunnel Systems Report
- Visual Imapct Assessment
- Water Quality Assessment Report
Report: Closing the 710 Freeway gap would take years and cost billions
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-710-freeway-report-20150306-story.html
Draft environmental document released for SR-710 North Study
http://thesource.metro.net/2015/03/06/draft-environmental-document-released-for-sr-710-north-study/
By Steve Hymon, March 6, 2015
Caltrans and Metro today released the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement (DEIR/S) for the SR-710 North Study. The entire study is online and can be found by clicking here.
The
study looks at impacts due to the 4.5-mile gap in the 710 freeway
between the El Sereno/Alhambra border and Pasadena while offering
possible ways to improve mobility in areas both near and beyond the gap.
The study area is shown at right. The SR-710 North Study is one of more
than two dozen major transit and road projects that are receiving
funding from the Measure R half-cent sales tax increase that was
approved by 68 percent of Los Angeles County voters in 2008.
There are five alternatives under study: the legally-required no build option, a freeway tunnel, light rail transit between East Los Angeles and Pasadena, bus rapid transit between East Los Angeles and Pasadena and operational improvements to existing roads, intersections and traffic signals.
The news release from Caltrans and Metro is below. I highly encourage everyone interested to look at the study and get involved in the process. Public comments can be submitted online and public hearings will be held in April — details are in the news release.
I know there is a lot of public interest in the project, with opinions running the gamut. Two quick points I want to make:
•The study team is not selecting a preferred alternative until the public review process is completed for the DEIR/S and public comments are analyzed and responses prepared. It will ultimately be up to Caltrans and the 13-member Metro Board of Directors to adopt a preferred alternative.
•The project is scheduled to receive $780 million in Measure R funds. That is not enough to build the freeway tunnel or light rail alternatives. If either of those is selected as the preferred alternative, the study team will prepare a financial plan that will consider additional possible funding sources.
As always, reader comments are welcome on The Source. Please be respectful of others and try to be concise so that more people read your comment! One comment per reader please.
Here is the news release:
By Steve Hymon, March 6, 2015
Caltrans and Metro today released the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement (DEIR/S) for the SR-710 North Study. The entire study is online and can be found by clicking here.
The
study looks at impacts due to the 4.5-mile gap in the 710 freeway
between the El Sereno/Alhambra border and Pasadena while offering
possible ways to improve mobility in areas both near and beyond the gap.
The study area is shown at right. The SR-710 North Study is one of more
than two dozen major transit and road projects that are receiving
funding from the Measure R half-cent sales tax increase that was
approved by 68 percent of Los Angeles County voters in 2008.There are five alternatives under study: the legally-required no build option, a freeway tunnel, light rail transit between East Los Angeles and Pasadena, bus rapid transit between East Los Angeles and Pasadena and operational improvements to existing roads, intersections and traffic signals.
The news release from Caltrans and Metro is below. I highly encourage everyone interested to look at the study and get involved in the process. Public comments can be submitted online and public hearings will be held in April — details are in the news release.
I know there is a lot of public interest in the project, with opinions running the gamut. Two quick points I want to make:
•The study team is not selecting a preferred alternative until the public review process is completed for the DEIR/S and public comments are analyzed and responses prepared. It will ultimately be up to Caltrans and the 13-member Metro Board of Directors to adopt a preferred alternative.
•The project is scheduled to receive $780 million in Measure R funds. That is not enough to build the freeway tunnel or light rail alternatives. If either of those is selected as the preferred alternative, the study team will prepare a financial plan that will consider additional possible funding sources.
As always, reader comments are welcome on The Source. Please be respectful of others and try to be concise so that more people read your comment! One comment per reader please.
Here is the news release:
Caltrans and Metro Release Draft Environmental Document on Proposal to Close SR-710 Gap
(March 6, 2015) The California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today released a Draft
Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) on
proposals regarding the 4.5 mile gap between the I-210 Freeway in
Pasadena and the end of the I-710 freeway in East Los Angeles.
The five alternatives proposed in the Draft EIR/EIS are:
No Build option that would leave conditions as they are
A traffic management system to upgrade
and synchronize signals and improvements to local street intersections
to more quickly move traffic that exits the dead end freeway
A rapid bus line featuring high frequency service with minimal stops and potentially a dedicated bus lane
Light rail to carry passengers between East Los Angeles and Pasadena
A freeway tunnel that would extend the SR-710
No decisions have been made on any proposed alternative in the Draft EIR/EIS. A 120-day public comment period begins with the release of the document. Two
public hearings will be held for community input, the first will be on
Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Rosco C. Ingalls Auditorium on the
campus of East Los Angeles College. There will be a 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
map viewing and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. public hearing. The second will be on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at the Pasadena Convention Center: A
map viewing will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the public hearing
will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A third public hearing will be
scheduled with date, time and place to be determined.
“We look forward to receiving valuable
input from communities and the public on this critically important
transportation issue that has affected not only this area, but the
region, for decades,” said Caltrans District 7 Director Carrie Bowen.
“The feedback we receive is a vital part of the project development
process and helps inform the selection of a preferred alternative.”
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the public hearings and read the document at http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/resources/envdocs/docs/710study/draft_eir-eis. Public comment can be made on the link provided. The public comment period ends July 6, 2015.
The full document can be viewed at the
Caltrans District Office at 100 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA
90012. Copies are also available at public libraries listed here: http://www.metro.net/projects/sr-710-conversations/
An EIR is required to comply with the
California Environmental Quality Act and an EIS fulfills requirements of
the National Environmental Policy Act. The laws require government
agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their
actions and to avoid, minimize or mitigate any adverse effects.
Information from public comments will be weighed before preparing the
final environmental document.
Altogether, approximately 26 detailed technical studies are included in the Draft EIR/EIS.
Through the process of compiling the
Draft EIR/EIS, Metro and Caltrans conducted 92 community meetings,
participated in six city-sponsored community forums and held over 200
briefings with community stakeholders.
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