As LA Metro gets closer to choosing the route for a 4.5-mile extension of the C (Green) Line through Redondo Beach, Lawndale and Torrance, staff presentations — including new polls and written responses that favored an existing right-of-way — were featured at a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21.
Known as the ROW (right-of-way) option, the train would follow the Metro-owned public right-of-way. Some parts would have street-level grade crossings and others an elevated track, moving the line’s western terminus 4.5 miles — from its current end at Redondo Beach Metro Station on Marine Avenue to the new transit center at 465 Crenshaw Blvd. in Torrance.
Of the 2,300 comments culled from the draft Environmental Impact Report, 73% supported using some form of the ROW option for the route of the electric-powered passenger train, reported Georgia Sheridan, Metro project manager for planning, at the Metro Executive Management Committee meeting.
“I fully support the C Line extension. There is a huge amount of support from Torrance for the line. It is something the community really needs,” said Kristen Easley, a Torrance resident.
With this route, freight tracks would be moved closer to homes, but they would be newer and some say quieter. Part of the narrow, grassy area would be used for light-rail train tracks, which was opposed by some.
The ROW/elevated/at-grade alignment would cost about $2 billion with completion expected in 2033, the cheapest and quickest option. A hybrid form along the ROW, with some sections in trenches, would cost $2.23 billion and be completed in 2034.
Results of a phone survey of 673 respondents from the affected cities found 67% “supported” or “somewhat supported” having a light-rail line in their cities for passengers to get to LAX and Inglewood and to connect to other train lines in central Los Angeles. The phone survey asked, “Do you support a rail project to Torrance?” said Sheridan.
An option to build an all-elevated…
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