Advocates push for Gold Line extension

Dec. 19, 2009 | KPCC Wire Services

GLENDORA — Political leaders in eastern Los Angeles County plan to press the Metropolitan Transit Authority board to expedite funding for a light rail train extension from Sierra Madre to Arcadia, Montclair and beyond.

The Pasadena Star-News reported that backers of the Gold Line's eastern extension plan to lobby the MTA Board to vote in January to transfer funds to the project. If approved by MTA, the Gold Line Foothill Extension Authority could make a deal with a contractor, who would start the project and be paid over the years, as Measure R funds trickle in.

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The east county transit advocates say construction could begin next year if the borrowing arrangement is approved, with an eye on completion by 2013. If no agreement is in place by January, the extension will not be finished until 2017, the Pasadena Star-News reported.

Drawings of the Gold Line extension were unveiled by the Gold Line Foothill Extension Authority Friday, as plans for a massive viaduct straddling the eastbound Foothill (210) Freeway lanes were presented.

The 739-foot bridge will stretch diagonally across the freeway at an angle, to carry the tracks from the freeway median to its south side near Santa Anita Avenue in Arcadia. It will be adorned by four basket-shaped columns that pay tribute to the basket-weaving of the Chumash Indians.

Officials estimate the bridge will cost $20 million to $25 million.

The proposed extension will continue the Metro Gold Line from its current terminus in East Pasadena through the cities of Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Claremont and Montclair.

East county transit advocates say it is in competition with light rail projects in West Los Angeles, the Crenshaw District and Inglewood, as well as the proposed Wilshire Boulevard subway.

OK
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Is it in any way possible that you might have given the names of these advocates? Pretty nebulous reporting here. You maybe developing a case of News 98 disease?

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