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Eastside Transit Corridor

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 Eastside Transit Corridor E Line 
Atlantic station in East Los Angeles, to be relocated
Overview
StatusPartially complete, studying ongoing
LocaleLos Angeles, East Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, Pico Rivera, Whittier
Termini
Service
TypeLight rail
SystemLos Angeles Metro Rail
Operator(s) Metro (LACMTA)
History
OpenedNovember 15, 2009; 15 years ago (2009-11-15) (Phase 1)
2035; 11 years' time (2035) (Phase 2 to Montebello)
TBD (to Lambert)
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
ElectrificationOverhead line, 750 V DC
Route map

Legend
A Line 
A Line
to APU/Citrus College
│ Metrolink and Amtrak
 Union Station Parking
AmtrakMetrolink (California)FlyAway (bus)B Line D Line J Line 
 B Line D Line 
US 101 (1961 cutout).svg US 101
A Line E Line 
A Line to Long Beach
E Line to Santa Monica
Metrolink and Amtrak
 Pico/Aliso
US 101 (1961 cutout).svg US 101
 Mariachi Plaza
I-5 (1961).svgI-10 (1961).svg I-5 / I-10
 Soto
Indiana Parking
California 60.svg SR 60
I-710 (1961).svg I-710
 Maravilla
East LA Civic Center
Atlantic Parking
Up arrow Phase 1 (2009)
Down arrow Phase 2 IOS (2035)
Pomona Boulevard
 Atlantic Parking
(relocated)
Atlantic Boulevard/Beverly Boulevard
 Atlantic/Whittier
Metrolink and Amtrak
 Commerce/Citadel
Maintenance and
Storage Facility
 Greenwood
Up arrow Phase 2 IOS (2035)
Down arrow planned (TBD)
 Rosemead
Norwalk
Lambert
Multiple services
sharing tracks
Handicapped/disabled access
All stations
are accessible
This diagram:

The Eastside Transit Corridor is a light rail line extension that currently connects Downtown Los Angeles with East Los Angeles. However, the extension is planned to extend further southeast to connect with the Gateway Cities, continuing from a relocated Atlantic station southeast to a new Lambert station in Whittier.

The extension is part of the Los Angeles Metro Rail E Line.

Phase 1

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Following a new right-of-way, Phase 1 of the Eastside Transit Corridor extended the Gold Line southeast from Union Station to Atlantic station in East Los Angeles. It opened on November 15, 2009.[1][2][3]

Overview of Phase 2

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The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has studied two alternative alignments for this extension. In 2015, Metro estimated the cost of both alignments of what was then known as the Gold Line Eastside Rail Extension at $6.0 billion (to be delivered in 2057).[4] The plan included in the Measure M transportation funding measure is to build improvements in stages. In 2009, Metro published the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 Final Alternatives Analysis Report,[5] and in 2014 published a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report.[6] In February 2020, the Metro Board voted to eliminate the SR 60 alignment and combined alignment alternatives from consideration, and proceed only with the Washington Boulevard alternative of the project.[7][8][9] The SR 60 line may be considered for construction in the future.[10] Construction is scheduled to begin in 2029, with public service by 2035,[11] though the project's timeline may be accelerated under the Twenty-eight by '28 initiative.[12]

Metro merged the portion of the L Line east of Downtown Los Angeles into the E Line (which now uses the gold color instead of aqua) upon the completion of the Regional Connector Transit Project on June 16, 2023.[13] This allows for a one-seat ride for travelers as far west as Santa Monica, with transfers to other lines at downtown stations.

In 2022, Metro recommended building the extension in phases — initially running as far as Greenwood Avenue in Montebello. Under the plan, the full extension would be studied to make way for the construction to Whittier when funds become available.[14]

Proposed routings and modes of Phase 2

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The Transit Corridor Project was originally proposed as a light rail route along Washington Boulevard. Metro studied three alternatives during its Initial Operating Study: along California State Route 60, the original concept to Whittier, and a project that built both routings. The combined routes would have served the communities of Montebello, Commerce, Pico Rivera, Monterey Park, South El Monte, South San Gabriel, Rosemead, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier in the east side of the county. All alternatives begin at the E Line's Atlantic station and head east.

Metro ruled out the SR 60 Freeway and combined alternative, leaving just the Washington Boulevard alternative for further consideration and study.[7][8][9] A new maintenance yard is included as part of the extension.[15]

Alternatives Alignments[11] New trips
(daily) 		Estimated cost
(billions)
Alternative 1: LRT SR-60 Alternative TBD TBD
Alternative 2: LRT Washington Boulevard Alternative TBD TBD
Alternative 3: LRT Combined Alternative TBD TBD

During the Initial Operating Segment study, Metro concluded that Alternative 1 and 3 would interfere with future SR 60 expansions. Metro would have to buy some property and remove homes needed for a maintenance facility yard, as no large vacant lots were found. In February 2020, Metro staff recommended Alternative 2, removing the route along the SR 60 freeway (Alternative 1) from further consideration, therefore also eliminating Alternative 3 in the process.[7][8][9] Metro will focus on further studying and building the Washington Boulevard alternative.

Route selection: Alternative 2

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Projected opening Station City/Neighborhood Notes
2035 Atlantic East Los Angeles To be relocated.
Atlantic/Whittier
Commerce/Citadel Commerce To be adjacent to the Citadel Outlets.
Greenwood Montebello
TBD Rosemead Pico Rivera
Norwalk Whittier
Lambert

On April 25, 2024, Metro published the final environmental impact report (EIR) for the project, pending certification from its board of directors.[16] Metro is also seeking to clear the project under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to qualify it for federal grant money.[17] On May 23, 2024, the Metro board of directors certified the final EIR at a board meeting.[18]

References

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  1. ^ Bloomekatz, Ari B. (November 13, 2009). "Q&A : Gold Line links downtown and East L.A. : The 6-mile light-rail extension, which cost $898 million, will open Sunday with free rides and entertainment". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  2. ^ Bloomekatz, Ari B. (December 21, 2011). "L.A.'s historic 1st Street bridge reopens after 3-year closure". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  3. ^ Becerra, Hector (June 16, 2009). "Making the Eastside safe for Gold Line light rail extension". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  4. ^ Hymon, Steve (November 8, 2016). "Measure M project descriptions". The Source. Metro. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  5. ^ "Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Transit Improvements in the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2, Eastern Portion of Los Angeles County, CA [Notice of Intent]" (PDF). January 25, 2010.
  6. ^ "Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report". Metro. August 2014.
  7. ^ a b c Hymon, Steve (February 28, 2020). "Recap of February Metro Board meeting". The Source. Metro. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c Hymon, Steve (February 6, 2020). "Metro staff provides update on Eastside Gold Line". The Source. Metro. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  9. ^ a b c Sanchez, Jesus (February 24, 2020). "East L.A. to Whittier Gold Line extension grows more likely". The Eastsider. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  10. ^ Fine, Howard (December 20, 2021). "Metro Planning Rail Routes into County's Southeast Quadrant". Los Angeles Business Journal. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
  11. ^ a b "Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 Fact Sheet" (PDF). Metro. February 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  12. ^ Sharp, Steven (November 27, 2018). "Here are the 28 Projects that Metro Could Complete Before the 2028 Olympics". Urbanize. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  13. ^ Von Quednow, Cindy (June 16, 2023). "Metro Regional Connector opens in Los Angeles, bringing more direct access to downtown". KTLA. Nexstar Media Group. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  14. ^ Sprague, Mike (November 10, 2022). "Metro recommends light rail line from East L.A. to Montebello, but not to Whittier". Whittier Daily News. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  15. ^ "LA Metro to present updated Eastside light-rail route alternatives". Progressive Railroading. January 28, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  16. ^ "Final EIR (April 2024)". Dropbox. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  17. ^ @numble (April 26, 2024). "LA Metro has released Final EIR for Eastside E Line extension. This is the environmental impact report under California law (CEQA), but Metro has indicated they will also do an environmental clearance under federal law (NEPA) to qualify for federal grants" (Tweet). Retrieved April 29, 2024 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ Sharp, Steven (May 24, 2024). "Metro moves forward with Eastside and South Bay rail extensions Neither project is expected to open for passengers". Urbanize LA. Urbanize Media LLC. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
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