Orange Line Extension Breaks Ground Today in Chatsworth

Groundbreaking is scheduled to take place this morning on Metro's Orange Line extension, which will expand the dedicated busway that currently runs from North Hollywood to Warner Center. The $215.6 million extension "is the very first project to begin construction under the new voter approved Measure R half-cent transportation sales tax," reports abc7.

The extension will "extend four miles north from Canoga Station to the Chatsworth Metrolink Station," and feature four new stops, according to Metro. The project will hopefully have a positive impact on commuters who move between the north and south in the central and west San Fernando Valley, and provide a link between Metro and Metrolink. "The construction of the Metro Orange Line Extension will offer faster travel times, improved bus connections, and provide better access to destinations throughout Los Angeles County. "

Metro officials are expected be joined in Chatsworth this morning by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, and West Valley's City Council members Greig Smith and Dennis Zine for the ceremony. The Orange Line extension construction is expected to provide thousands of jobs, and is due to open in 2012.