Upcoming Foothill Boulevard closures in Azusa: full weekend and one-way closures between Vernon and Orange avenues

Posted March 6, 2014 by Steve Hymon

Photo: The bridge over Foothill Boulevard in Azusa. Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority.

Photo: The railroad bridge over Foothill Boulevard in Azusa with the new bridge deck beams. Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority.

Here’s the construction notice from the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority, the agency building the 11.5-mile addition to the Gold Line between eastern Pasadena and the Azusa/Glendora border:

WHO: Residents / Commuters / Business Owners in the City of Azusa.

WHAT: Crews will set the bridge deck beams for the three Foothill Blvd Bridges, as part of the 11.5-mile Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension light rail project. One bridge is for freight, and two for light rail. Some activities will require a full street closure (both east and westbound) during the first two weekends, while others will require daily directional (one-way) closures for approximately six weeks in each direction during off-peak travel hours. During the closures, detour signage will be posted to direct traffic around the work area.

WHEN:

WEEKEND FULL STREET CLOSURES (UPDATED)

- Friday, March 7, 2014 at 9:00 pm until Monday, March 10, 2014 at 5:00 am: Foothill Boulevard will be closed to thru-traffic in both directions between Vernon Ave and Orange Ave. Traffic will be detoured and signage will be posted to direct motorists and pedestrians.

- Friday, March 14, 2014 at 9:00 pm until Monday, March 17, 2014 at 5:00 am: Foothill Boulevard will be closed to thru-traffic in both directions between Vernon Ave and Orange Ave. Traffic will be detoured and signage will be posted to direct motorists and pedestrians.

DAILY OFF-PEAK DIRECTIONAL CLOSURES (SIX WEEKS IN EACH DIRECTION):

- Monday, March 17, 2014, daily for approximately 6 weeks: Eastbound Foothill Blvd will be closed to thru-traffic daily between Vernon Ave and Orange Ave during the hours of 4:00 am – 2:00 pm only. Eastbound traffic will be detoured and signage will be posted to direct motorists during these hours.

- Monday, April 28, 2014, daily for approximately 6 weeks: Westbound Foothill Blvd will be closed to thru-traffic daily between Vernon Ave and Orange Ave during the hours of 9:00 am – 10:00 pm only. Westbound traffic will be detoured and signage will be posted to direct motorists during these hours.

WHERE: Foothill Boulevard between Vernon Ave and Orange Ave in the City of Azusa.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

- During the closures, traffic will be detoured and signage will be posted to direct motorists.

- The sidewalk will remain closed to pedestrians during the full weekend closure; however, pedestrian access will be available on one side of Foothill Boulevard during the “one-way” closures.

- Motorists are advised to expect delays and use alternate routes when possible.

- Access to all local businesses on Foothill Blvd will remain open at all times.

Construction schedules are subject to change for various reasons, including, but not limited to, weather conditions and unforeseen delays.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

- Visit www.foothillextension.org

# # #

About the Construction Authority: The Construction Authority is an independent transportation planning and construction agency created in 1998 by the California State Legislature. Its purpose is to extend the Metro Gold Line light rail line from Union Station to Montclair, along the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley. The Construction Authority built the initial segment from Union Station to Pasadena and is underway on the Gold Line Foothill Extension. The Foothill Extension is a nearly $2 billion extension that will connect Pasadena to Montclair in two construction segments – Pasadena to Azusa and Azusa to Montclair. The 11.5-mile Pasadena to Azusa segment is fully funded by Measure R and will be completed in September 2015, when it will be turned over to Metro for testing and pre-revenue service. Metro will determine when the line will open for passenger service. Three design-build contracts, totaling more than $550 million, are being overseen by the Construction Authority to complete the Pasadena to Azusa segment. The Azusa to Montclair segment is environmentally cleared and is proceeding to advanced conceptual engineering in 2014.

Israeli prime minister visit may delay or detour some Metro buses

Posted March 4, 2014 by Lily Allen

Map of expected street closures via KPCC.org

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Los Angeles this week and authorities have warned his motorcade may cause traffic flare-ups on the Westside over the next three days.

Unfortunately, Metro buses are not exempt from the rolling closures that could slow traffic, or close streets entirely, as the Prime Minister moves from place to place. Customers traveling through the Westside today through Thursday should allow extra time to reach their destination, as some bus lines in the area may experience delays of up to 20 minutes, or temporary detours. Metro Rail will not be impacted.

While the exact movements of the prime minister’s motorcade are not released ahead of time, the Secret Service has issued a general traffic advisory with areas to avoid during specific times. Here’s the info via the LAPD’s blog:

Tuesday March 4th 2014

Santa Monica Blvd between 405 Freeway and Melrose Ave. 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

405 Freeway between Wilshire Blvd. and 105 Freeway 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Melrose Ave between La Cienega and Van Ness 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday March 5th, 2014

Santa Monica Blvd between 405 Fwy and Melrose Ave 7:30 a.m. – 8:30, & 4:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m.

405 Fwy between Wilshire Blvd. and 105 Fwy 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., & 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

10 Fwy between 405 Fwy and CA Highway 1/PCH from 6:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.

CA Hwy 1/PCH between 10 Fwy and Malibu Canyon Rd. 6:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Thursday March 6th, 2014

Santa Monica Blvd between 405 and Melrose Ave 8:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Pico Blvd between Roxbury and Castello 8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

405 Fwy between Wilshire Blvd. and 105 Fwy 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

For possible bus detours as motorcade closures unfold, please follow our Twitter feed or visit metro.net.

Storm update #2 — next wave is expected (ugh) in time for afternoon rush hour

Posted February 28, 2014 by Steve Hymon

The next wave of rain and wind is expected to hit Los Angeles County ~~about 3 p.m.~~ about 2 p.m. (it’s coming down hard now at Union Station!) and possibly continue through the afternoon rush hour.

The rain and wind overnight and this morning caused some problems, including:

•There was a temporary loss of electricity to the Green Line rail yard. Power has been restored and there was no impact to regular service.

•There were delays up to 20 minutes on the Orange Line due to a downed tree blocking the busway near Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Buses were back on normal schedule about 9:30 a.m.

•There were water-related signal issues on the Gold Line just south of Union Station. The problem was resolved at 11 a.m.

•There were 15-minute delays along the Blue Line due to a disabled train at San Pedro station. The issue was cleared about 9 a.m. and schedules then returned to normal.

•There were 10- to 20-minute delays on the Expo Line due to a disabled train at Culver City station.

•LADOT and LAPD have been closing roads in the Sepulveda Flood Control Basin, due to rising water. Metro Bus }154 is on high-water detour at this time.

All lines are running normal service at this time.

To stay up-to-date on the status of your bus or train, follow Metro on Twitter at @metrolosangeles and @metroLAalerts, and be sure to check back here at The Source.

The current scene looking west from the Metro Mothership:

Photo by Steve Hymon/Metro.

Storm update: delays on Orange Line, Blue Line and Expo Line this morning due to weather issues

Posted February 28, 2014 by Steve Hymon

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From the Will Rogers beach webcam.

Some service updates as of 8 a.m.

•ORANGE LINE: There are some 20-minute delays along the Orange Line due a downed tree near Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Buses detouring via Burbank Boulevard between Whitsett and Laurel Canyon. Tree crews are on the scene. Please expect delays to last through the morning rush hour.

•EASTSIDE GOLD LINE: Up to 10-minute delays between Union Station and Atlantic due to signal issues.

•BLUE LINE: Due to an earlier disabled train at San Pedro, there are some residual delays along the line.

•EXPO LINE: There have been up to 10 minute delays on Expo Line trains rdue to an earlier disabled train at Culver City station.

To stay up-to-date on the status of your bus or train, follow Metro on Twitter at @metrolosangeles and @metroLAalerts, and be sure to check back here at The Source.

Here comes the rain again…a few things to keep in mind please

Posted February 27, 2014 by Steve Hymon

NWS

Above is the good word from the National Weather Service on the second storm that is supposed to blow through our area beginning tonight and into tomorrow.

A few things to keep in mind:

•It’s not exactly a secret some L.A. drivers pilot their cars like total idiots in wet weather. Please slow down and be mindful of slick roads and idiots.

•Same goes with Metro facilities. Slow down, don’t run around buses or trains.

•Try NOT to jab people with your umbrellas please! Ouchies!

•Customers riding the Metro Blue, Expo, Green, and Gold Lines during stormy weather may note that their train doors aren’t opening automatically. This is because trains may be operating in “passenger door release mode,” which means customers wishing to board or exit the train must press the illuminated, green buttons adjacent to the doors in order for the doors to open. The buttons can be found on both the interior and exterior of the train doors, and will only release the doors when lit up. “Passenger door release mode” helps minimize the intrusion of weather elements on board, improving customer comfort.

•Work planned for all our construction projects — Purple, Regional, Crenshaw, 405, Blue Line, etc. — might be impacted or possibly deferred because of the rain.

Additional Metro track and maintenance personnel will be on standby to resolve any potential issues that may arise due to the storms. That being said, passengers should consider a cushion of extra travel time in their normal commute, in case of weather-related delays.

So, enjoy this week’s much-needed respite from a particularly dry winter, but please, be safe and alert in foul weather. To stay up-to-date on the status of your bus or train, follow Metro on Twitter at @metrolosangeles and @metroLAalerts, and be sure to check back here at The Source.

And keep in mind the big goal here — safety, safety and then a little more safety — is the same as the title of this song…

Upcoming Service Advisory: Heads up for stormy weather

Posted February 26, 2014 by Lily Allen

As many are already aware, in the next few days L.A. County may get some of the rain that has been eluding us this winter.

Current forecasts indicate two storms are headed toward the Southland, the first beginning this evening and continuing through tomorrow morning, the second starting Friday morning and lasting through Saturday evening. The storms are predicted to be the wettest the region will have seen in two years.

The oncoming storm via the National Weather Service.

There are many reasons to prefer staying indoors during foul weather: hot tea, the sound of rain on the roof, and, what Metro is most concerned with, the increased difficulty of your daily commute. Metro would like to remind motorists and bicyclists to be wary of slick roads and decreased visibility. If driving, reduce your speed and leave extra space between your vehicle and the car in front. When biking, please walk (don’t ride!) your bike on rail station platforms or near bus stops.

For rail customers, additional Metro track and maintenance personnel will be on standby to resolve any potential issues that may arise due to the storms. That being said, passengers should consider a cushion of extra travel time in their normal commute, in case of weather-related delays.

If you are running late, please never run for trains (or buses). This applies as a general rule, but is especially important given the wet, slippery conditions we are likely to experience over the next four days. Where possible, make use of handrails and handholds for extra security.

And finally, customers riding the Metro Blue, Expo, Green, and Gold Lines during stormy weather may note that their train doors aren’t opening automatically. This is because trains may be operating in “passenger door release mode,” which means customers wishing to board or exit the train must press the illuminated, green buttons adjacent to the doors in order for the doors to open. The buttons can be found on both the interior and exterior of the train doors, and will only release the doors when lit up. “Passenger door release mode” helps minimize the intrusion of weather elements on board, improving customer comfort.

Service alerts can additionally be found on metro.net’s home page. The Go Metro app for Android smartphones, iPhones and iPads also includes service alerts.

Service Advisory: Hollywood/Highland Station Closure this Sunday and bus detours due to Academy Awards

Posted February 25, 2014 by Jon Ross Alexander

Getting ready for that annual show celebrating the little gold dude. Photo: Clinton Steeds via Flickr Creative Commons

It’s that time of the year again: the Oscars are back, which means bus detours and the closing of Hollywood/Highland Station on Oscar Sunday.

Metro Red Line subway trains will operate on a regular schedule but will pass through the Metro Red Line Hollywood/Highland Station without stopping on Sunday, March 2 from open to close due to the 86^th Academy Awards show at the Dolby Theater. There will be no public access to Hollywood/Highland Station. Customers are advised to use the Hollywood/Vine Station as an alternative and transfer to nearby bus service or walk.

All Metro Red Line trains will resume stops at Hollywood/Highland Station with the start of regular service on Monday, March 3.

Metro Bus 212, 217, 222 and 780 will be detoured off of Hollywood Boulevard between Highland Avenue and La Brea Avenue through 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, or until barricades are removed. Full detour information can be found here.

Oscar Sunday detours will be up later this week so be sure to check back for more info.

Specific routes of the detours are listed online on the Service Advisory page. For real-time service alerts, follow @metrolosangeles or @metroLAalerts on Twitter.

Jamzilla update #7, 10:30 p.m. Monday

Posted February 17, 2014 by Steve Hymon

Tough traffic out there Monday. As you probably know if you tried to drive the northbound 405 over the Sepulveda Pass — there were significant delays with heavy traffic trying to squeeze into two lanes.

The northbound side of the 405 will be closed at midnight, with lanes scheduled to reopen at 5 a.m. and ramps and connectors by 6 a.m. Tuesday as the repaving work concludes. A news conference for media will also be held early Tuesday to discuss the 80-hour closures this weekend.

More on the 80 hour closures on the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvement Project’s home page. The project is adding a northbound HOV lane between the 10 and 101 freeways along with ramp and bridge improvements to improve traffic capacity and seismic safety.

Jamzilla update #3, 11:10 p.m. Saturday

Posted February 15, 2014 by Steve Hymon

Traffic on the northbound 405 freeway flowed well on Saturday night, sometimes in the “free flow” condition — i.e. with traffic moving at normal speeds. The above Google map shows traffic as of 11 p.m.

The northbound lanes will be entirely closed from 2 a.m. until 7 a.m. Sunday — with lane closures beginning at 1 a.m. Only northbound lanes will be open during the day Sunday.

Because of traffic and safety concerns, both connectors from the 10 freeway to the northbound 405 will remain closed for the remainder of Jamzilla closures.

Again, the message remains the same: please avoid driving on the northbound side of the 405 on Sunday and through this holiday weekend. The freeway can only handle about a third of its normal traffic load when only two lanes are open. Click here to see the full schedule of closures this weekend.

Repaving work remains on schedule. The I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project is providing frequent updates on its Twitter feed. The project is adding a northbound HOV lane to the 405 between the 10 and 101 freeways to match the existing lane on the southbound side of the freeway.

Jamzilla update #2, 5:40 p.m. Saturday

Posted February 15, 2014 by Steve Hymon

Above is a look at traffic on the northbound 405 about 5:15 p.m. this afternoon according to Google maps. Motorists are experiencing some delays, but it’s not as bad as it could be if traffic was as heavy as usual.

Only two lanes remain open on the northbound side of the freeway through the Sepulveda Pass and a full closure of the northbound lanes is scheduled for tonight from 2 a.m. until 7 a.m. Sunday.

Because of traffic and safety concerns, both connectors from the 10 freeway to the northbound 405 will remain closed for the remainder of Jamzilla closures.

Again, the message remains the same: please avoid driving on the northbound side of the 405 through this holiday weekend. The freeway can only handle about a third of its normal traffic load when only two lanes are open. Click here to see the full schedule of closures this weekend.

A few photos of work are below: