L.A. authority seeks input on draft study for Eastside rail extension

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is soliciting public opinion on the recently released draft environmental impact report/environmental impact statement (EIR/EIS) for the proposed extension of the Gold Line light-rail corridor from East Los Angeles to South El Monte or Whittier, Calif.

The draft EIR/EIS studied the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2, an extension of the existing Gold Line connecting Pasadena and East Los Angeles through Union Station to various other communities. The number of residents in those cities that will commute to work is expected to grow by 32 percent by 2035 and peak period travel times are projected to increase 25 percent in the morning and 34 percent in the afternoon by 2035, LACMTA officials said in a press release.

The Eastside Transit Corridor Phase 2 includes proposals known as the SR 60 Alternative and the Washington Boulevard Alternative. Estimated ridership for the SR 60 Alternative is 16,700 boardings each weekday with a cost estimate of $1.271 billion to $1.296 billion, according to the study. Estimated ridership for the Washington Boulevard Alternative is 19,900 weekday boardings with an estimated cost of $1.425 billion to $1.661 billion.

In addition to the two rail proposals, the draft EIR/EIS addresses a transportation systems management alternative that identifies bus corridor improvements and the legally required no-build option, officials said.

Comments on the draft study will be accepted through 5 p.m. Oct. 21.