LA Metro Breaks Ground on East San Fernando Valley Light Rail

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) has started construction on the 6.7-mile East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, according to Mass Transit Magazine. This project aims to improve public transit and mobility throughout the San Fernando Valley, particularly for communities that rely heavily on public transportation.

What is this project? This new light rail line will run along Van Nuys Boulevard, connecting the communities of Van Nuys, Arleta, and Pacoima. It is designed to provide better access to jobs, healthcare facilities, schools, and local businesses. The project will include 11 new at-grade light-rail stations, operating at street level in the center of Van Nuys Boulevard, with modern shade structures and safety enhancements.

Why is this important for the Valley? Approximately 19% of households in the project corridor depend entirely on public transit, compared to 8% for Los Angeles County as a whole. L.A. Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated that the project will deliver an affordable and safe transit system for these communities. L.A. Metro Board Member and Los Angeles City Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who grew up in the Valley, noted that reliable public transportation is crucial for families and will create new opportunities for residents and support local businesses.

What are the specifics of the line? The 11 stations will be spaced about three-quarters of a mile apart and include stops at Van Nuys L.A. Metro G Line, Victory, Vanowen, Sherman Way, Van Nuys Metrolink, Roscoe, Nordhoff, Woodman, Arleta, Laurel Canyon, and San Fernando. The project also integrates with regional transit networks, allowing transfers to Metrolink, Amtrak, and the L.A. Metro G Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. Beyond the rail line, major streetscape upgrades are planned, including ADA-compliant sidewalks, safer pedestrian crossings, and improved roadway design.

How much will it cost and when will it open? The estimated construction cost is nearly $4 billion, funded by federal, state, and local sources, including the voter-approved sales tax Measure M. L.A. Metro has secured an $893 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help finalize the funding. This project is considered the core of a larger multi-billion-dollar transit expansion planned for the San Fernando Valley over the next decade. The article does not specify an opening date.