Roads & Rails

Metro Says Fully Underground Connector Feasible, Could Cost 20% More

By Eric Richardson — Yesterday, 03:54 PM — 17 Comments

Regional Connector - Underground Map Metro

Little Tokyo's call for a fully grade-separated Regional Connector has been answered. Metro today used its blog to unveil early engineering study results, which it then presented to a Little Tokyo working group meeting later in the evening.

The transit agency warned that the new configuration, which continues under 1st and Alameda below-ground, could add $200 million to the project's cost. That didn't faze community members, who voted to endorse further study of the new option. — Continued Inside...


Software Upgrade Should Speed Gold Line's Freeway Crossing

By Eric Richardson — Monday
5 Comments

Software Upgrade Should Speed Gold Line's Freeway Crossing

The Gold Line Eastside Extension opened to much fanfare and big crowds on Sunday, but those looking to use the line for day-to-day commuting may have been a bit puzzled at why it takes so long for trains to travel the elevated track between Little Tokyo / Arts District and Union Station.


Gold Line Eastside Extension Opens

By Ed Fuentes and Eric Richardson — Monday — 11 Comments

Gold Line Eastside Extension Dedication Eric Richardson

|Photo Gallery| Angelenos took to the rails on Sunday for opening day of the six-mile, $898-million Gold Line Eastside Extension. Metro estimates 75,000 Sunday boardings for the line, which connects Union Station with Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights and East L.A.

"Today's event was a must-attend," said Drew Lesso, an Arts District resident since the mid-80s. "I'm always happy to see new public transport and the sense of community that develops. Looking out at the neighborhood today, I almost got a feeling that I was in Europe . . . well almost." — Continued Inside...


Big Turnout for First Night of Shuttle Between USC and L.A. Live

By Eric Richardson — November 06, 2009
4 Comments

USC - L.A. Live Shuttle Kickoff

Maybe it was the free pizza, the promise of free movies or the chance to see Pete Carroll, but nearly 1,000 USC students made their way to Figueroa street on Thursday night for the kickoff of shuttle service between the campus and L.A. Live.


Regional Connector Meetings Kick Off Saturday

By Eric Richardson — November 06, 2009
4 Comments

Regional Connector Render: 2nd Street Looking West

Another round of outreach meetings kicks off tomorrow for Metro's Regional Connector, a project proposed to link the Blue Line and Expo Line to the Gold Line and Eastside Extension. Four meetings in the next week offer weekend, daytime and evening time slots.


Alzheimer's Walk to Bring Sunday Traffic Impacts

By Eric Richardson — October 31, 2009
1 Comment

Traffic on 6th

California first lady Maria Shriver will lead 4,000 participants in the Alzheimer's Association's 2009 Los Angeles Memory Walk on Sunday morning, bringing traffic impacts for those needing to get into or out of Downtown.


When the Gold Line Extension Opens, Will Downtown Ride?

By Eric Richardson — October 30, 2009 — 34 Comments

Gold Line Eastside Extension Eric Richardson

The six-mile Gold Line Eastside Extension opens on November 15, connecting East L.A. and Boyle Heights to Union Station. The stop nearest to most Downtown residents is the Little Tokyo / Arts District station, at the corner of 1st and Alameda.

On a Friday morning preview ride, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilman Jose Huizar praised the line and the impact it will have on the eastside. It remains to be seen, though, if those who live Downtown will become regular riders. — Continued Inside...


Little Tokyo Asks Metro to Study Grade-Separated Alternative for Regional Connector

By Eric Richardson — October 28, 2009 — 29 Comments

Conceptual Design for 1st & Alameda Metro

The Little Tokyo Community Council on Tuesday asked Metro to go back to the drawing board on the Regional Connector, the light rail link intended to connect the Gold Line, Expo Line and Blue Line.

The group asked Metro to study an option that would keep the line underground as it crosses through 1st and Alameda. A successful solution would clear many of Little Tokyo's concerns about the line and would eliminate a weak point in the project's design. — Continued Inside...


Tour of California Adding Downtown Time Trial for 2010

By Eric Richardson — October 22, 2009
3 Comments

Levi power!

The Amgen Tour of California announced its 2010 host cities this morning, using Twitter as the forum for a scripted conversation between Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and four top American cyclists. Downtown Los Angeles will be host for Stage 7, a time trial and the race's penultimate stage.


Regional Connector Caught in the Middle of Political Fight Over Metro's Long-Range Plan

By Eric Richardson — October 21, 2009
2 Comments

Regional Connector Render: 2nd Street Looking West

Metro's board meetings are often political affairs, but seldom to the battle lines get drawn up quite as strongly as they have been for Thursday's session. The transit agency board is set to vote on its overdue Long-Range Transportation Plan, and a fight over priorities pits Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and his subway to the sea against San Gabriel Valley interests...