Expo train testing update
Here’s the latest from the Expo Line Construction Authority, which is putting the finishing touches on phase one of the light rail line from downtown L.A. to Culver City:
Agreement reached to acquire key parcel for Gold Line Foothill Extension light rail project
Two big news items this afternoon for a key Measure R transit project, the Foothill Extension that will take the Gold Line from its current terminus for 11.5 miles to the Azusa/Glendora border: 1. After months of negotiations, the Foothill Extension Construction Authority has reached an agreement to purchase land [continue reading]
Expo Line video on train noise (or lack thereof)
The Expo Line Construction Authority posted the above video last month and today has been sending the link around to interested parties. I’ll throw in my two cents: My experience is that most roads are far, far louder than light rail lines. I live a mile from the 210 freeway [continue reading]
Public meeting for downtown L.A. streetcar project on Aug. 2 to discuss study of routes
Metro has announced an Aug. 2 meeting in downtown L.A. (details below) to discuss the study process for a project to return streetcar service to downtown Los Angeles. It’s a city of Los Angeles project, but Metro planners are doing the studies. Planners will discuss the initial screening of routes [continue reading]
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa testifies to Senate Committee about America Fast Forward and next transportation spending bill
If you would like to watch Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s testimony to the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee this morning, here’s a link. His testimony about the next federal transportation spending bill — already two years overdue — begins at the 53-minute mark. Excerpt: We also continue to [continue reading]
New video from L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on region’s transportation projects and challenges
This new video from the Office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa — who just assumed the role of Chairman of the Metro Board — looks at his transportation program, including many of the projects that Metro is planning or building. The video also includes some snippets about America Fast Forward, the [continue reading]
Carmageddon wrap video tracks L.A.’s car-free ride on the 405
It’s only fitting that County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who made the ‘Carmageddon’ tag a household word for the temporary closure of the 405 freeway, should have the last word on the car-free phenomenon and near-miracle of last weekend. And the last word is a good one. Check out the nicely produced [continue reading]
Regional Connector project to recirculate portion of draft environmental study for public review
At the request of the Federal Transit Administration, Metro on Friday will recirculate a supplement to the Regional Connector’s draft environmental impact statement/report. This is an update of portions of the previously circulated Draft EIS/EIR. The public will have 45 days to review the document and provide comments. The document [continue reading]
A Plan B if America Fast Forward doesn’t happen
Damien Newton at L.A. Streetsblog just posted an interesting interview with L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa that touches on the America Fast Forward (AFF) plan to speed up construction of Metro transit projects. AFF seeks to change federal law to allow for more federal loans and federally-backed bonds to build transit [continue reading]
One time-lapse view of work on the Mulholland Bridge
A few time-lapse videos of the work to partially demolish the Mulholland Drive Bridge over the 405 freeway this past weekend have popped up on the Internet. This most excellent one takes a different tack, with footage from several different locations that was shot Friday night into Saturday. The video [continue reading]