Dive Brief:
- The Federal Transit Administration signed an $893.3 million grant agreement Sept. 6 with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for construction of a light rail line in the East San Fernando Valley.
- The 6.7-mile line will include 11 new transit stations serving the California communities of Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta and Pacoima. LA Metro broke ground for advanced utility work in 2022. Construction along Van Nuys Boulevard for utility work and minor street improvements is expected to start later this year, LA Metro said in a press release.
- The light rail line will connect with Amtrak, the LA region’s commuter railroad Metrolink and with other existing and planned LA Metro transit. LA Metro expects the new line to open in 2031.
Dive Insight:
The new $3.6 billion light rail line will restore train service to the East San Fernando Valley for the first time in 70 years, LA Metro said in a press release. It will serve an area where about 19% of households do not own a car. The transit agency said it added a cultural competency requirement to the project contract to address the area’s diverse cultural heritage and backgrounds, including engaging “genuinely and respectfully” with community stakeholders.
“The $893 million federal investment in the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project will be transformational for my district,” said U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas, who represents the San Fernando Valley, in a statement. “This project has been decades in the making, and it’s more than just transportation — it’s a commitment to uplift our community by connecting families to better jobs, schools, and essential services.”
The project, which also received $600 million last year from the California State Transportation Agency, is planned as the southern segment of a longer line. LA Metro is looking into design options for the 2.5-mile northern segment that would extend rail service to the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station.
LA Metro said it plans a local-hire program so that residents can benefit from “good paying jobs” during construction of the project. A solar power system will supply about 70% of the power required for the maintenance and storage facility, helping to lower operating costs for LA Metro, the FTA said.
