Committee Zeroes In On Proposed Transportation Projects Allocated $230.5 Million by Metro

The Municipal Services Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved its wishlist of citywide transportation projects it wants to undertake using Metro money originally funded for building an overpass on California Boulevard to relieve traffic congestion.

The Grade Separation project was nixed after lengthy study concluded that the pain of four years of construction wasn’t worth the potential benefits of the project.

19 other projects were proposed instead.

“These proposed near-term projects address modernization through multi-modal mobility, creating network efficiencies and enhancing safety while not precluding any future long term community vision for the future land use of the corridor,” the staff report read. 

Out of 19, 11 are identified as priority projects including Pasadena Avenue and St. John Avenue Roadway Network, Avenue 64 Complete Street Program, Transportation Operations and Maintenance Facility, Columbia Street., Orange Grove Boulevard at Colorado Boulevard and Orange Grove Boulevard at Holly Street., San Rafael Avenue, Gold Line At-Grade Crossing Enhancements, Continental Crosswalks, Orange Grove Mobility Improvement Program, Greenways and SR710/SR134/l-210 Ramp Modifications.

City staff said these projects are prioritized based on “multimodal connectivity and safety, project need, proximity to SR 710 corridor and project readiness/implementation timeline.”

Non-priority projects include the l-210 Connected Corridors Expansion, Zero Emission Buses and Charging Infrastructure, Bus Stop Enhancements, and the Arroyo Link.

Aside from approving staff recommendations, the MSC also directed staff to look at additional funding for “walkability improvements,” as suggested by Councilmember Felicia Williams. 

The projects that were identified will be presented to the City Council in a future meeting for approval before submission to the Metro for consideration, as per city staff.