Below is the news release from the Expo Line Construction Authority on the decision today by the California Public Utilities to uphold their previous approval of rail crossings for the project. The homeowners group Neighbors for Smart Rail had asked for a re-hearing; the same group also unsuccessfully challenged the environmental studies for Expo Line Phase 2, with the California Supreme Court earlier this month upholding the study:

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION RE-AFFIRMS APPROVAL OF ALL CROSSINGS FOR EXPO LINE PHASE 2

Los Angeles, Calif. – The California Public Utilities Commission today re-affirmed Resolution SX-100 that authorizes the Exposition Construction Authority to construct 16 at-grade and 11 grade-separated rail crossings as part of Phase 2 of the Expo Line project. This decision allows construction to continue on schedule. Work on the $1.5 billion, 6.6-mile Phase 2 extension is well underway along the entire alignment, with bridge and station work progressing quickly, and track work starting soon.

“We appreciate the CPUC’s diligence in reviewing the crossings for the Expo Line. Today’s decision allows us to remain focused on completing the Expo Line in 2015 and bringing a new transit option to Los Angeles,” said Expo Construction Authority CEO Rick Thorpe.

About the Expo Line

Service on Phase 1 of the Expo Line began in Spring 2012 and serves nearly 27,000 daily riders. Construction on Phase 2 is expected to be complete in late 2015. The Expo Line will bring greater mobility to the region by connecting west Los Angeles to the region’s existing rail network. These communities are traditionally underserved by public transportation and among the most traffic-congested in the nation.

Click here to read the PUC’s decision.