Metro Goldline Foothill Extension: Construction Notice

Metro Goldline released a construction notice to alert travelers of lane closures that will be happening on a bi-weekly basis, which started May 27th, 2012 and will last up until June 9th, 2012 due to the foothill extension.

This construction activity will occur on a bi-weekly basis and will require partial lane closures of up to three eastbound and/or three westbound lanes. These lane closures will begin no earlier than 10 p.m. and will end by 1 p.m. the following day. During this bi-weekly period, no full eastbound lanes are anticipated to be completely closed, so travelers do not have to worry about finding alternative routes. Specifically, these partial lane closures will take place Eastbound lanes of the I-210 Freeway, between Rosemead Blvd. and Santa Anita Ave. as well as Westbound lanes of the I-210 Freeway, between Huntington Dr. and Baldwin Ave.

This construction is being done to extend the metro line, where work crews will continue the installation of the form-liner and reinforcing reel for the superstructure. Check out Goldline.com for news updates and even photo updates to see how the construction is progressing! Goldline.com also will keep you updated on any new developments or changes to the construction schedule, such as upcoming ramp and lane closures during the project. You can also find meetings, events, frequently asked questions, and have the opportunity to ask questions, comment, or voice any concerns you might have.

Metro Goldline Foothill Extension Construction Authority Talks Claremont/Montclair Completion

The Metro Goldline Foothill Extension Construction Authority (also known as the Construction Authority) recently made news when its board of directors announced its approval of an updated expenditure plan that outlines the costs and timeline for the Pasadena to Claremont portion of the great extension project.  The updated plan states that this particular portion of the extension project will cost a total of $1.574 billon, and while $810 million has already been raised for the construction site, another $764 million is still needed.

Now that the Construction Authority is aware of how much funding is still needed to complete the Metro Goldline Foothill Extension project from Claremont to Montclair, it can begin planning how to raise the additional funds. If all goes as planned, this section of the expansion project could be completed as early as 2021. Once this section of the extension is completed, the only phase left is the portion of the railway that goes from Montclair, CA to the Ontario Airport. 

The idea behind the Metro Goldline Foothill Extension was to create a new railway system that connected the major Californian cities of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Azusa and Montclair as well as the Ontario Airport. Along with the new 24 miles of track and numerous stations, the project will also add about 7,000 new jobs as well as $1 billion of economic output for the region.

Metro Goldline Construction Authority Releases Pasadena Promotional Video

To build support for the Metro Goldline project—a massive public transit expansion extending the Gold Line from East LA, through Pasadena and on to the Ontaria Airport outside Rancho Cucamonga—project officials released the first in a series of promotional videos this month promoting the various landmarks riders are likely to see out their windows.

The Foothill Extension Construction Authority, created in 1998 by the California State Legislature to improve transit in Los Angeles, has been publishing updates, photos and other promotional materials to show off the extension projects running through the LA area. The video tour, which tracks landmarks along the in-progress section of the Goldline between Pasadena and Azusa, is the first of a two-part series introducing potential riders to these new transit assets as they near completion.

Along with the transit construction, the Foothill Extension Construction Authority is also working on bike lanes, trolley service and footpaths to connect the various transit assets together, increasing access to sporting events, shopping centers and restaurants along the way.

While the transit project is just now nearing the finish line, a more dedicated public transit system has been in the works since the late 90's and has been seriously pushed through the California legislature since funding became available in 2009. And environmental activists say its not a moment too soon. LA's addiction to the car has been well documented. According to the Texas Transportation Institute, which tracks traffic patterns in major metropolitan areas, has LA ranking first year after year in total and per-capita congestion delays.

By promoting the new Goldline project with videos and other information, organizers hope they can change that narrative, reducing air pollution, worker productivity and road rage in the process.

The Metro Goldline Gets Support from Member of Congress

The future of the Metro Goldline rail continues to be uncertain following the latest back and forth between members of the United States Congress and the MTA Executive Management Committee. Three members of Congress- Judy Chu, Adam Schiff, Grace Napolitano- recently sent a letter to the MTA regarding Measure R, a half-cent tax currently being collected to fund the Foothill Extension to Claremont.

However, unless action is taken, the revenues currently being collected will fall short and the completion of the Goldline rail will be up in the air. Currently, the MTA has allocated $735 million of the funds collected through Measure R towards the Claremont extension. However, there would still be an additional $764 million needed in order to complete a regional rail system.

Now the issue is persuading the MTA to put an issue on the ballot this year allowing Measure R to be permanent (the current measure was voted in by the public) and then using the now permanent revenue source to fund the completion of the Goldline project. However, the MTA thus far has been resistant to allocating more funds to the regional rail project. The MTA is responsible for administering the funding for all the rail projects in California and is in the unenviable position of having to use ever diminishing federal resources to tackle an overwhelming amount of projects. The MTA has already hinted that instead of allowing more federal resources to go to the Goldline rail project, they will instead focus on Los Angeles-based subway projects.

Sightseeing With Goldline Metro: Los Angeles Stations

The Goldline metro rail will connect communities all over the greater Southern California region.  Curious about where this new rail line can take you?  The Los Angeles-Pasadena line has been operational since 2003, and since then thousands of people have been able to explore what the area has to offer.  If you can’t wait to ride the complete Goldline metro line, explore what's already built and see what you can discover in Los Angeles.

Heritage Town Square

Do you have an interest in history?  Are you curious about what life was like nearly a century and a half ago when the great state of California was just forming?  Well if you're riding Goldline's rail in Los Angeles you're in luck, Goldline has a station right near Heritage Square.  Heritage Square is a living museum that focuses on the first 100 years of southern California history.  This living museum has authentic early Californian architecture (Victorian houses and suburban homes), historic performances, guided tours, hands-on exhibitions, and much more.  Take advantage of a nice weekend and take the family to Heritage Square to get the most fun history lesson you'll ever have.

Chinatown

Los Angeles' Chinatown is one of the most well-known city neighborhoods.  There are so many things to see in this historic Chinese district that you may have to visit the area several times to fit in everything you want to do.  If you love Chinese cuisine dine at one of the area's abundant restaurants, and if you enjoy cooking be sure to stop at one of the specialty supermarkets in the area so you can try to             re-create your favorite dish at home.  Chinatown is full of museums, theaters, street performers, and more entertainment perfect for entertaining families and pleasing dates.

Lincoln Heights

Want to see examples of modern suburban architecture?  The neighborhood of Lincoln Heights can stand out among the more urban areas of Los Angeles, the sprawling lawns and large homes don't blend in with the urban environment.  If you need a break from traditional Los Angeles, ride the Goldline metro to Lincoln Heights and enjoy the sights.

Sightseeing With Goldline Metro: Azusa Station

You know that Azusa is known for having everything "from A to Z" because of their unique name, but the "a to z" isn't just a marketing gimmick.  The Goldline metro extension has a station in Azusa, and there's a lot to do in this humble part of the greater Los Angeles area.

Fish Canyon Falls/ Fish Canyon Trail

Who would have guessed that there's a beautiful hiking trail and fishing spot located near Los Angeles?  The San Gabriel Mountains are close to Azusa, and for decades this spot was known as one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in the Southland.  Mining activities have disrupted a lot of the beautiful surrounding landscape, but Fish Canyon is still as beautiful and tranquil as ever.

Duarte Historical Museum

Are you interested in local history?  If not you should be, the Azusa area has a rich history that goes far back to the 19^th century.  The Durate Historical Museum is right by one of the Goldline metro station, it was built to show people the agricultural roots of the land, and show people what life was like before suburban homes took over the land.  The area you know as Azusa used to be land owned by Andres Duarte, a Mexican solider who settled on the land.  Duarte got into the ranching business and lived comfortably with his family until California became part of the United States.  Like many Mexican settlers in California after the end of the Mexican-American War, Duarte owed years of back taxes to his new government.  Eventually the 6,595 acres that Duarte owned were split up among other land owners and became Azusa, Arcadia, Baldwin Park, and a good chunk of Southern California.

Azusa Skate Park

Are you more into sports than you are history and nature?  The Azusa skate park is definitely not for beginners, or skaters who aren't used to skating in urban areas.  This concrete playground has an abundance of short banks and ledges for visitors to practice on, and it's free to use. 

Why are Goldline Construction Updates Important?

Once the Metro Goldline Foothill Extension is completed, it will provide an affordable, convenient solution for residents to get to work, go to school, and participate in community events. In the meantime, however, construction activities have the potential to cause disruptions in traffic flow and create other inconveniences that residents need to keep in mind when it comes to traveling places quickly yet safely. The Goldline Foothill Extension Construction Authority posts regular construction updates, so it's important to check for construction notices in your area.

Why are Goldline construction updates important? Here are a few reasons:

1. Safety. First and foremost, the Construction Authority wants residents in the area to be safe. Keeping up with the latest developments and staying informed about changes is an easy way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors.

2. Detours. Sometimes it can be hard enough to get where you need to go without the added stress of construction and road blocks. Staying up-to-date about developments in your area will allow you to plan ahead when it comes to navigating the area so you aren't late for your daily activities.

3. Community engagement. Construction updates are also important so you know what is going on in the community around you. One of the goals of the Goldline Foothill Extension is to bring communities together, so staying connected through updates about the construction phases is one way to start the process. Plus, don't you want to know when construction is over and the trains finally become operational?