The saga of the 710 Freeway will continue, as it has for decades. Now, however, a proposal to build a 6.3-mile tunnel from El Sereno to Pasadena, has lost key support from the regional transportation agency.
"In a historic vote, the governing board of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority unanimously rejected an extension of the 710 Freeway Thursday, saying building a multi-billion dollar tunnel would not feasible," reports Steve Scauzillo.
Though Metro has withdrawn its support for the project, it's still on the table at Caltrans, the state's transportation authority. "Caltrans is expected to vote on the car-tunnel project in 2018, after it completes a final Environmental Impact Report released in March 2015," according to Scauzillo.
The Metro board has other ideas for handling some of the vehicle traffic in the 710 gap, "proposing a myriad of street level fixes. First, it will spent $105 million of approximately $730 million available from Measure R for initial improvements to local streets by adding capacity, new bus lines, traffic signal synchronization and bike lanes." Meanwhile "cities such as Pasadena can now work on bettering the look of the so-called 710 Stub between Del Mar Boulevard and Walnut streets."
FULL STORY: Metro takes 710 tunnel project off the table, will use money for local street fixes
With a 710 Freeway Extension Unlikely, Cities Propose Alternatives
After withdrawing support for a controversial extension of the 710 Freeway, Los Angeles Metro is asking cities for local road improvements to improve traffic flow in its stead.
After a Failed Freeway Plan, Alternatives Prove Controversial
With plans to extend California's 710 Freeway off the table, cities in the path have been awarded funds for alternative road projects. But residents of San Marino aren't all on board.
Public Opinion Split on I-710 Tunnel Plans in Southern California
The public comment period has ended on one of Southern California's most persistent planning controversies—a proposal to connect the I-710 Freeway between Pasadena and Alhambra. The current plan calls for a long underground tunnel.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Reimagining Your Street
How to use free online tools to redesign your local streetscape.
Research: Sprawl Linked to Poverty
Low-income families living in high-sprawl neighborhoods are limited in their access to education, jobs, and other amenities, often trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Washington Lawmakers Eye Rent Stabilization
Democrats are pushing for a statewide rent stabilization bill that would give renters some protections while offering more flexibility for landlords than blanket rent control policies.
Wildfires Devastate LA Outdoor Education Spaces and Schools
The current Los Angeles wildfires have destroyed schools and outdoor education spaces like Eaton Canyon, displacing families and disrupting vital learning and community resources while highlighting the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’
Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ada County Highway District
Charles County Government
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport