Eastside Transit Corridor

The Eastside Transit Corridor is a planned light rail line that will connect Downtown Los Angeles with East Los Angeles. The project calls for extending the Los Angeles Metro E Line (currently the L (Eastside Gold) Line) from Atlantic station further east to Whittier.

Not to be confused with Gold Line Foothill Extension.
Eastside Transit Corridor   
Service
TypeLight rail
SystemMetro
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Electrification750 V DC overhead line
Route map

Eastside Transit Corridor
 
E Line
to Santa Monica
Atlantic
(relocated)
 Atlantic/Whittier
The Citadel
 Greenwood
 Rosemead
 Norwalk
 Lambert

Overview

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) estimated the cost of both alignments at $6.0 billion in 2015 (to be delivered in 2057).[1] The plan included in the Measure M transportation funding measure is to build improvements in stages. In 2007, Metro issued a Request for Proposals to study alternatives for the route.[2] Construction is scheduled to begin in 2029 and service by 2035,[2] though the project's timeline is expected to be accelerated under the Twenty-eight by '28 initiative.[3]

Metro plans to rename the Gold Line east of Downtown Los Angeles to the E Line upon completion of the Regional Connector in 2022. This will allow a one seat ride for travelers as far as Santa Monica, with transfers to other lines at downtown stations.

Proposed routings and modes

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 Gold Line's Atlantic Station and head east. Metro ruled out the 60 Freeway and combined alternative, leaving the individual lines for further consideration. A new maintenance yard is included as part of the extension.[4]

Draft EIR Alternatives[2] Description 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

Route selection: Alternative 2
Station City/Neighborhood Notes
Atlantic East Los Angeles to be rebuilt
Atlantic/Whittier East Los Angeles
The Citadel Commerce adjacent the Citadel Outlets
Greenwood Montebello
Rosemead Pico Rivera
Norwalk Whittier
Lambert

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 selective property, 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 one) from further consideration therefore also eliminating Alternative three in the process.[5][6] Metro will focus on further studying and building the Washington Boulevard alternative.

References
  1. Hymon, Steve (8 November 2016). "Measure M project descriptions". Metro. The Source. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  2. https://media.metro.net/projects_studies/eastside_phase2/images/factsheet_eastsidephase2_en_2017-11.pdf%5B%5D
  3. Sharp, Steven (27 November 2018). "Here are the 28 Projects that Metro Could Complete Before the 2028 Olympics". Urbanize. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  4. "LA Metro to present updated Eastside light-rail route alternatives". Progressive Railroading. 28 January 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  5. Sanchez, Jesus (24 February 2020). "East L.A. to Whittier Gold Line extension grows more likely". The Eastsider. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  6. "Metro staff provides update on Eastside Gold Line" (Press release). LACMTA. 6 February 2020.
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