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 Foothill Extension A Line 
Foothill Freeway overpass east of Sierra Madre Villa station
Overview
StatusFirst phase complete, second phase to Pomona under construction
LocaleLos Angeles, Pasadena, Azusa, Pomona
Termini
Stations12 (overall)
6 (Phase 2A)
4 (Phase 2B to Pomona)
2 (Phase 2B to Montclair)
Service
TypeLight rail
SystemLos Angeles Metro Rail
Operator(s) Metro (LACMTA)
History
OpenedMarch 5, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-03-05) (Phase 2A)
Early-January 2025; 3 months' time (2025-01) (Phase 2B to Pomona)
2030; 6 years' time (2030) (Phase 2B to Montclair)
Technical
Line length23.8 mi (38.3 km) (overall)
11.5 mi (18.5 km) (Phase 2A)
9.1 mi (14.6 km) (Phase 2B to Pomona)
3.2 mi (5.1 km) (Phase 2B to Montclair)
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
ElectrificationOverhead line, 750 V DC
Route map
Map Phase 2A highlighted in red, 2B in green, future segment in blue
Legend
Metrolink (California)
■ San Bernardino Line
to San Bernardino–Downtown
 Montclair
Metrolink (California)
 Claremont
Metrolink (California)
Up arrow planned (2030)
Down arrow Phase 2B (2025)
 Pomona
Metrolink (California)
Metrolink (California)
■ San Bernardino Line
to L.A. Union Station
 La Verne
San Dimas
California 57.svg SR 57
California 210.svg SR 210
 Glendora
Up arrow Phase 2B (2025)
Down arrow Phase 2A (2016)
 APU/Citrus College
Azusa Downtown
I-210 (1961).svg I-210
 Irwindale
I-605 (1961).svg I-605
 Duarte/City of Hope
Division 24 Maintenance
and Storage Facility
 Monrovia
Arcadia
I-210 (1961).svg I-210
 Sierra Madre Villa
A Line 
A Line
to Long Beach
All stations
are accessible
Handicapped/disabled access
Parking
All stations
have parking
This diagram:

The Foothill Extension (formerly the Gold Line Foothill Extension) is a construction project extending the light rail A Line, a part of the Los Angeles Metro Rail system. The project begins at the former terminus of the former Gold Line at Sierra Madre Villa station in Pasadena and continues east through the "Foothill Cities" of Los Angeles County. The plan's first stage, "Phase 2A", extended the then-Gold Line to APU/Citrus College station in Azusa; it opened on March 5, 2016. "Phase 2B", which will extend the now A Line a further four stations to Pomona–North station on the Metrolink San Bernardino Line in Pomona, broke ground in December 2017 and is planned for completion in early-January 2025.[1][2] A further 3.2-mile (5.1 km) two-station extension to Montclair Transcenter in Montclair, located in San Bernardino County, is planned to break ground in spring 2025 and be completed in 2030.[3][4][5]

The corridor extension is being planned, managed, and implemented by the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, simply known as Foothill Gold Line.[6][3] The joint powers authority is governed by appointees from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SVGCOG), and the cities of Los Angeles, South Pasadena, and Pasadena. In addition to enhancing mobility in one of the most congested metropolitan areas in the United States, the 23.8-mile project (38.3 km) is seen as an economic catalyst for the region, generating 6,900 jobs during the construction phase and creating infill and transit-oriented development opportunities.[7]

With the Regional Connector having opened on June 16, 2023,[8] the north (Pasadena–Azusa–Pomona) branch of the then-L/Gold Line was absorbed into the A Line with blue coloring, providing service from Long Beach via Downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena to Azusa.[9][10][11]

Route

Map of the former L Line, with the Foothill Extension along the top. Note that Citrus Avenue station was eventually opened as part of Phase 2A as APU/Citrus College station.

The entire 23.9-mile (38.5 km) route (Phase 2A and 2B) of the Foothill Extension follows the roadbed of the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway's Second Division through the Foothill Cities. These cities are in the foothills south of the San Gabriel Mountains, in the northern San Gabriel and Pomona valleys. Beginning at the former Gold Line terminus at Sierra Madre Villa station in Pasadena, the route extends roughly east, ending at Montclair Transcenter in Montclair, in San Bernardino County. The route parallels several major roads and highways, including I-210 (Foothill Freeway), Huntington Drive, and Foothill Boulevard.[12]

Planning and Phase 2A

The Foothill Extension was initially conceived as "Phase 2" of the Gold Line, split into two parts, hence the numbering of its two phases. The route between Los Angeles and Pasadena is considered "Phase 1". The Gold Line Construction Authority (now Foothill Gold Line), which took over the Phase 1 project from Metro in 1999, also coordinates the Phase 2 projects.

The initial draft environmental impact report (DEIR) for the Gold Line Foothill Extension was completed in April 2006 and covered the entire corridor between Sierra Madre Villa station in Pasadena and Montclair Transcenter in Montclair. The final environmental impact report (FEIR) study assessed two different construction options: an LRT Full Build alternative, which would complete the full extension to Montclair, and an LRT Build To Azusa alternative, which would extend only to Azusa; this was dubbed Phase 2A. On February 28, 2007, the Construction Authority Board certified the final EIR and decided to complete the "LRT Build to Azusa" alternative.[13]

In October 2009, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) board of directors unanimously voted to include the Gold Line Foothill Extension in its long-range plan and approved funding for the construction and operation of Phase 2A. A groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2A was held on June 26, 2010;[14] construction began the following summer and was completed in September 2015, with the extension entering service on March 5, 2016. The original project budget for Phase 2A was $690 million, including not only construction but also the purchase of vehicles, financing, administrative costs, mitigation, and other costs;[15] in March 2011, the Construction Authority requested a $45 million increase in total budget, to $735 million, to reflect updated cost estimates.[16]

Phase 2B to Montclair

Phase 2B is the project to extend the A Line from the Phase 2A terminus in Azusa east to Montclair. The final EIR was certified by the Construction Authority board in March 2013.[17]

Proposed station listing

Montclair – proposed terminus of the line

Phase 2B is 12.3 miles (19.8 km) long and will take approximately 17.9 minutes to traverse.[12] The alignment will have six new Metro stations: Glendora; San Dimas; La Verne; and Pomona with a connection to the Metrolink San Bernardino Line; Claremont with a connection to the Metrolink San Bernardino Line; and Montclair with a connection to the Metrolink San Bernardino Line and the Foothill Transit Silver Streak. Foothill Gold Line expects 17,800 riders by 2035.[18]

Status

Planning for the Foothill Extension Phase 2B (Azusa to Montclair) began in 2003, and significant work has been completed for the segment. The final EIR for the project was certified by the Construction Authority board in March 2013, and advanced conceptual engineering began in 2014. On June 23, 2017, LA Metro's board of directors approved a $1.4 billion budget Thursday to extend the A Line (then the Gold Line) from APU/Citrus College station in Pasadena to Claremont station in Claremont, 11.5 miles (18.5 km) to the east.[19] However, officials in San Bernardino County convinced planners to further continue the extension to Montclair Transcenter in Montclair, saying the transit center made for a natural terminus for the line.[20] It is expected to cost an additional $70 million to extend the A Line from Claremont to Montclair, across county lines.[21] Construction on Phase 2B of the Foothill Extension is split into two projects. Project 1 is the relocation of freight railroad tracks, which is complete. Project 2 is the construction of the light rail line itself the A Line utilizes.[22]

On December 2, 2017, officials broke ground for Phase 2B in a ceremony at Citrus College. The cost of the project is estimated at $1.5 billion.[1] Completion of Phase 2B (including Montclair Transcenter) was expected by early 2026.[22] On July 10, 2020, major construction began on Phase 2B, building four stations from Azusa to Pomona, with service estimated to start in early-January 2025.[2]

Full construction to Claremont and Montclair by 2028 depended on additional funding to be secured by October 2021.[23] However, on September 10, 2021, state funding was past due for constructing the route further east of Pomona. This pushed the opening date to Montclair back, as well as outright placing the 3.2-mile segment at risk of cancellation altogether.[24] However, Foothill Gold Line was persistent in seeking funding for the project.

On July 8, 2024, Governor of California Gavin Newsom and the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) announced the distribution of the first year of funding from California State Senate Bill 125 (SB125).[25] Metro allocated $798 million of SB125 funding to complete the Los Angeles County portion of the Pomona to Montclair project. CalSTA released close to $500 million for the project, with the remaining funds for the $798 million project to be allocated by the end of 2024. On July 11, 2024, the Foothill Gold Line board of directors voted to work with Kiewit Corporation as their contractor to build the Pomona to Montclair project. The project's construction contract award is set for spring 2025 and should take five years to complete and open in 2030.[4][5]

Construction

The first part of the construction, starting in August, focused on reconstructing the 28 at-grade crossings and relocating utilities. Gladstone Street in San Dimas was the first one to begin. Nearly all reconstructions commenced and finished in late 2022. As of June 2023, the at-grade crossing reconstruction is complete.[26]

The freight/light rail bridges over channels and washes began in 2021, relocating and building new bridges to facilitate the freight and the A Line (then known as the L Line). These bridges were the first to finish as they didn't impact vehicular traffic. The light rail bridges, crossing major streets, began briefly. As required by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the light rail crossing at Foothill Blvd, Route 66, Lone Hill Blvd, and Bonita/Cataract Ave needs to be grade-separated (light rail only) with a flyover bridge. Those bridges feature the neighborhood's citrus design and will include local artwork. All of them are substantially complete.[27]

The more complex component was the freight track relocation. The freight originally existed in the middle of the corridor, leaving no room for the light rail extension. To create space, the construction authority relocated it to the north side (south side west of Lone Hill Blvd) of the alignment. It is complete as of October 2022.[28] With the relocation work finished, crews began work on the light rail system by installing the overhead line, train control systems, and the light rail track. On June 24, 2023, an event held in La Verne culminated in the installation of the 230,630th rail clip (rail clips permanently attach the steel rail to the concrete railroad ties), officially completing major construction for the new light rail tracks from Glendora to Pomona.[29]

Currently, crews are focusing on final system work, active train testing,[30] constructing the four stations, and integrating artwork throughout the alignment's stations and bridges. Station construction is 69% complete.[31]

As of July 2024, the extension to Pomona is 85% complete,[31] on budget, and is expected to open for revenue service in early-January 2025.[2]

Proposed extension to Ontario International Airport

There has been past interest by officials in extending the L Line (now the A Line) from Montclair Transcenter in Montclair to Ontario International Airport. Currently, no active proposals exist to plan or construct this extension.

City of Ontario

In 2006, when the city of Ontario joined the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, city leaders pushed to further extend the line to Ontario International Airport.[20]

On March 9, 2009, the city passed a resolution affirming their support for this extension. The extension would be 7.5 miles (12.1 km) in length.[32]

Studies

In 2008, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority commissioned a study by KOA Corporation to determine the feasibility of such an extension, which they dubbed "Phase 2C."[33] The study found the extension would be feasible and provided several alignment alternatives. The extension would be between 7 miles (11 km) and 15 miles (24 km) and add up to four new stations, depending on the chosen alignment.[34]

In November 2014, the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), the precursor to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), conducted a study focused on better serving Ontario International Airport via public transport. Out of the six alternatives narrowed down from 32 that were more closely studied, one of these alternatives included "Alternative D-1", which proposed extending the Gold Line from Montclair Transcenter along the San Bernardino Line until Cucamonga Creek, which the line would then follow to terminate at Ontario International Airport.[35]

In October 2018, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), in cooperation with the SBCTA and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), conducted a transit and rail planning study for the corridor connecting the eastern San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County with the western San Bernardino Valley in San Bernardino County.[36] This study considered two options for the "LRT Alternative", including extensions of the Gold Line to Ontario International Airport, the "Arterial Option" and the "Cucamonga Creek Option". The Arterial Option followed Indian Hill Boulevard and Holt Boulevard, while the Cucamonga Creek Option had the same routing as Alternative D-1 in the 2014 study.[37]

Legislative attempts

In January 2020, California State Assemblyman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), representing California's 41st State Assembly district, introduced Assembly Bill AB 2011. The measure would've formed the West San Bernardino County Rail Construction Authority, which would've designed and constructed the extension from Montclair to Ontario International Airport.[38]

Holden would be aided by California State Senator Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), who introduced his bill, SB 1390, on February 21, 2020, which went even further and would've transferred taxpayer funds and land owned by the SBCTA within the proposed rail right-of-way to a state-created independent construction authority.

Both state legislators presented their bills to the SBCTA board of directors at the March 7, 2020, board meeting. The board voted to oppose both bills and passed a motion reasserting itself as the sole authority to plan, design, and build new mass transit projects in San Bernardino County.[39] Despite this, both bills were supported by the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority.[40]

Neither bill was able to pass the state legislature. On May 18, 2020, the SBCTA ceased negotiations on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the extension, following Holden's committing against further action on his legislative proposal, killing these attempts at the project.[41]

Proposed alternative

Main article: San Bernardino County Transportation Authority § Ontario Connector Project

As a cost-effective solution compared to the proposed extension, estimated at around $1-1.5 billion, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) and Ontario International Airport are currently in the process of trying to implement a tunnel with autonomous, zero-emission vehicles on an "on-demand" basis from the Metrolink San Bernardino Line's Rancho Cucamonga station to Ontario International Airport.[42]

Initially, The Boring Company proposed constructing a 2.8-mile (4.5 km) system similar to the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop that would cost $60 million.[43] However, The Boring Company eventually dropped out of the project because they refused to submit another refined proposal.[44] Despite this, the SBCTA moved forward with plans on the project.[45]

The new plans for the project include two 4.2-mile (6.8 km) tunnels that will cost roughly $492 million.[46] The SBCTA selected HNTB as their new contractor to design, build, and maintain the project.[47]

References

  1. ^ a b "Extension of Gold Line rail system to San Bernardino County breaks ground". Los Angeles Times. December 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Background". Foothill Gold Line. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Gold Line Foothill Extension". Metro (LACMTA). Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  4. ^ a b Scauzillo, Steve (July 8, 2024). "State funds Pomona-to-Montclair light rail, first LA Metro project to San Bernardino County". Los Angeles Daily News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Scauzillo, Steve (July 11, 2024). "Board picks potential firm to build Pomona-to-Montclair light rail extension". Los Angeles Daily News. MediaNews Group. San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  6. ^ "Foothill Gold Line (official project website)". Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
  7. ^ "Economic Impact Study: Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Phase 2A" (PDF). Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. January 11, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 10, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  8. ^ Von Quednow, Cindy (June 16, 2023). "Metro Regional Connector opens in Los Angeles, bringing more direct access to downtown". KTLA. Nexstar Media Group. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  9. ^ "Prepare for Our "Gold Line" to Be The "Blue Line"". ColoradoBoulevard.net. September 25, 2017. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  10. ^ "Regional Connector Transit Corridor". US Department of Transportation. January 20, 2015. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  11. ^ "The Metro Blue Line will soon be called the 'A Line' • Long Beach Post". lbpost.com. December 8, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
  12. ^ a b "Gold Line Phase II Final Environment Impact Report: Chapter 2 - Alternatives" (PDF). Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority. February 2007. pp. 2–100. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  13. ^ "Board resolution to certify FEIR" (PDF). Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority. February 28, 2007. Retrieved September 21, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  14. ^ "Metro Gold Line Breaks Ground". KABC-TV. June 26, 2010. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved September 21, 2010.
  15. ^ "Project Overview and Status, presentation to the Design-Build Institute of America" (PDF). March 10, 2010. Retrieved September 21, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  16. ^ "Gold Line Foothill Extension" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2012. Retrieved March 23, 2011.
  17. ^ "Azusa to Montclair Final EIR". Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
  18. ^ Neal Broverman (August 21, 2012). "Plans Released for Gold Line Train to San Bernardino County". Curbed Los Angeles. Vox Media Inc. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
  19. ^ "Metro Gold Line Extension to Claremont Montclair". Curbed L.A. June 23, 2017.
  20. ^ a b Stockstill, Mason. "Ontario courts Gold Line extension". Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Digital First Media. San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved September 11, 2010.
  21. ^ "Foothill Gold Line". www.foothillgoldline.org. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  22. ^ a b "Glendora to Montclair Work Plan" (PDF). Foothill Gold Line. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  23. ^ "Major Construction Begins on Foothill Gold Line Extension Project". NBC Los Angeles. July 10, 2020. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
  24. ^ Scauzillo, Steve (September 10, 2021). "Hopes Dashed for Light Rail Line Extension From Pomona to Montclair". Los Angeles Daily News. MediaNews Group. Daily Bulletin. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  25. ^ "Nearly $2 billion going to California public transit". Governor of California - CA.gov. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  26. ^ "Foothill Gold Line E-News Update – 2022 Year-End Review; What to Expect in 2023". Foothill Gold Line. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  27. ^ "Project Progress - Q2 2023". YouTube. Foothill Gold Line. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  28. ^ "Foothill Gold Line E-News Update – October 2022 Project and Community Updates". Foothill Gold Line. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
  29. ^ "Video, Photo & Media Recap: Completion of Major Work on New Light Rail Track System from Glendora to Pomona". I Will Ride Blog. June 27, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  30. ^ "🚧🚊 CONSTRUCTION ALERT: Active Train Testing from Glendora to Pomona Begins Monday, July 8 📅 July 8 - Dec. 31 📍 Grade crossings in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne & Pomona 🚗🚶 Stay Safe: - Never walk on the train tracks - Never go around the lowered gates and follow all safety instructions - Obey all warning signs and watch for trains from both directions 👀". Facebook. Foothill Gold Line. July 8, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "Project Progress - Q2 2024". Youtube. Foothill Gold Line. July 8, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  32. ^ "A Resolution Supporting The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Project". March 3, 2009. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved September 21, 2010.
  33. ^ "Foothill Authority Website, Phase 2C, Montclair to Ontario". January 4, 2011. Archived from the original on May 22, 2011. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  34. ^ "Strategic Planning Study Report for Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension to LA/Ontario International Airport" (PDF). San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  35. ^ "Ontario Airport Rail Access Study FINAL REPORT" (PDF). San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  36. ^ "Los Angeles-San Bernardino Inter-County Transit and Rail Study". Southern California Association of Governments. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  37. ^ "Los Angeles and San Bernardino Inter-County Transit and Rail Connectivity Study Final Report" (PDF). Southern California Association of Governments. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  38. ^ Scauzillo, Steve (January 30, 2020). "Lawmaker pushes LA Metro Gold Line extension to Ontario Airport". Los Angeles Daily News. MediaNews Group. Daily Bulletin. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  39. ^ Scauzillo, Steve (March 7, 2020). "Tensions mount over rail access to Ontario airport". Los Angeles Daily News. MediaNews Group. Daily Bulletin. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  40. ^ Scauzillo, Steve (March 11, 2020). "Gold Line board warms to Ontario airport light-rail connection bill". Los Angeles Daily News. MediaNews Group. San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  41. ^ "Ontario Airport Gold Line Connection - Project 'Derailed' by Transit Authority". South Pasadenan. May 18, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  42. ^ "ONT Connector Project". San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  43. ^ Scauzillo, Steve (May 27, 2020). "Elon Musk's Boring Co. proposes tunnel to Ontario airport as alternative to light-rail". Los Angeles Daily News. MediaNews Group. Daily Bulletin. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  44. ^ John, Darryn (July 20, 2022). "The Boring Company abandons plans for Ontario Airport loop in California". Drive Tesla. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
  45. ^ "Local News San Bernardino County moves forward with underground tunnel plan without Elon Musk". CBS News. July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  46. ^ Lin, Summer (July 27, 2022). "Elon Musk abandoned plans for a four-mile tunnel at Ontario airport. Locals are picking it up". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  47. ^ "HNTB selected by SBCTA for Ontario Airport tunnel project" (Press release). HNTB. January 27, 2021. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
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