Sherman Applauds Approval of Orange Line Extension Route

 

The route will extend the popular Orange Line from the Canoga Station north along the Metro-owned railroad right-of-way to the Chatsworth Metrolink Station. In May, the Orange Line averaged over 24,000 weekday boardings.

 

“With gas prices rising, motorists are seeking fuel efficient and cost-effective means of traveling, and the Orange Line extension will provide Valley residents with an alternative to our congested roads and highways as climate change becomes more apparent,” said Sherman. “The Orange Line is the only major transit project which traverses the San Fernando Valley. To reduce the skyrocketing costs of construction and attract new riders to this successful service, Metro should begin construction of the Orange Line extension by 2010,” added Sherman.

 

Following final action by the Metro Board of Directors on June 26, Metro staff will commence work on the project’s Final Environmental Impact Report and Preliminary Engineering. The Board will certify the final environmental review at the end of the year. If Metro begins construction by 2010, the project could be completed by 2013.  The cost of the project is projected at $251 million adjusted for inflation in 2013. Metro has a commitment of $100 million in state Traffic Congestion Relief Program funds and $70 million in Prop 1B funds. Additional funds are identified in Metro’s Long Range Transportation Plan for the Orange Line extension, but the Board must redirect funds to start construction sooner. 

 

In the past, Sherman won more than $4.2 million in federal funds for Orange Line projects, including $1.9 million for bike paths along the route, $1 million for the Warner Center transit hub, $836,000 to build an Orange Line extension and pedestrian entranceway to Pierce College, and $500,000 for park-and-ride facilities along the route.

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