A map issued by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority depicts the preferred route for the second phase of the Expo Line light rail, which will run from Culver City to Santa Monica. The project has wide support, but many critics have expressed concern about its effect on already-heavy Westside congestion. (Image courtesy of MTA)
Story Created:
Feb 10, 2010 at 3:32 PM PST
Story Updated:
Feb 10, 2010 at 3:52 PM PST
Plans for a light rail route from Culver City to Santa Monica took a major step toward becoming a reality on Feb. 4 as the project’s construction authority board approved an environmental impact report and route.
Board members agreed on having the second phase of the light rail, the first being from downtown Los Angeles to Culver City, will depart from Culver City and head to a stop on Colorado Boulevard in Santa Monica, and then to 4th Street.
“It’s a shame our region has not had access to a transit system like what we’re about to construct,” said Culver City Councilman Scott Malsin. “I think the quality of life is going to be better. ... I’m very pleased that we’re taking this major step to build something that will better the west side of Los Angeles.”
But the project is not without its critics.
The main dissent over the light rail’s second phase come from those who believe it should be underground, not at-grade.
For some, this approach will result in major traffic congestion and even pose some safety risks.
“The report calls for all train crossings through our community to go at street level (at-grade), blocking traffic as often as every two-and-half minutes, 22 hours a day at Overland, Westwood, Military and Sepulveda!” Neighbors for Smart Rail told LAist.
The Web site also reported that the local neighborhood group will likely file a lawsuit against the transportation project.
More than 300 people living near or around the site of the proposed light rail attended Thursday’s meeting, including Sarah Hays, co-chair of the group Light Rail for Cheviot, who provided positive remarks.
“I live ... less than half a mile from the [rail] right of way, and I work within half a mile of the 4th Street Station in Santa Monica, so I would use this line,” she said.
Construction for the first phase of the Expo Line, an 8.6 mile stretch of rail from downtown Los Angeles to Venice and Robertson Boulevards, began in 2007 and portions of it are expected to open this summer.
Two more crucial meetings are planned for the near future, including one in which board members will decide whether to put a parking lot at the Westwood Station and if the crossing at Sepulveda Boulevard should be at-grade level or elevated.
That process has cost more than $800 million.
According to the Los Angeles Times, light rail officials say they have $1.5 billion for phase two, which is targeted for a 2015 grand opening.
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