Several key transit projects that aim to transform mobility options in LA County are being moved forward by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors — including the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, the Crenshaw Northern Extension and the I-5 North Enhancement Project.
Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project
The Metro Board approved a $48.3-million contract to perform the environmental studies and advanced conceptual engineering for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project, which will build a high-speed, high-capacity transit line connecting the San Fernando Valley, Westside and LAX. Metro will begin the environmental review in 2021.
The project would be built in one of the most heavily traveled urban corridors in the nation, and when finished, will connect existing and planned Metro bus and rail lines, including the future East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project.
The Crenshaw Northern Extension Project
The Board also approved advancing three possible routes for the Crenshaw Northern Extension project as well as a $50.3-million contract for environmental analysis, which is expected to begin later this year. The Crenshaw Northern Extension will extend the Crenshaw/LAX light-rail line, which is currently under construction. The three routes to be studied would follow busy travel corridors, serve major destinations and employment centers and intersect with five of the busiest bus routes in the region.
The Measure M spending plan approved by voters in 2016 provides about $2.2 billion for this project. Under the Measure M schedule, the project is slated to begin construction in 2041 and begin service in 2047. Metro, in partnership with the city of West Hollywood and the city of Los Angeles, is advancing the planning work to potentially accelerate the project.
I-5 North HOV and Truck Lane Enhancement Project
The Board has authorized Metro’s CEO to negotiate a five-year, $50-million contract to provide construction management oversight for I-5 North HOV and truck lane enhancements. Metro is working to make capacity and safety enhancements to the I-5 in Santa Clarita between the SR-14 and the Parker Road interchanges. The project, which is designed to ease congestion and improve traffic flow, includes nearly 14 miles of median improvements to add an HOV lane in each direction, and technology improvements such as count stations, traffic cameras and ramp metering.
Through its Vision 2028 Plan, Metro has developed an agency-wide strategic plan that creates the foundation for transforming mobility in LA County over the next 10 years. Based on more than a year of outreach, it sets the mission, vision, performance outcomes, and goals for Metro and puts in motion specific initiatives in pursuit of a better transportation future.
Source: Mass Transit
