This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
As the Expo Line's Phase I, between downtown Los Angeles and Culver City, sort of nears completion, the final plan for Phase 2 to 4th Street in Santa Monica was released last Friday.
If the Expo Line Construction Authority Board approves the Final Environmental Impact Report at their February 4th meeting, construction could begin sometime in 2010 with completion in 2015. However, at least one citizens group, Neighbors for Smart Rail, plan to file a lawsuit over at-grade crossings near schools, which could stall building.
At-grade crossings have been a controversial issue with this project and, as The Source notes, many are concerned with north-south traffic flow as it crosses Overland, Westwood and Sepulveda, but the city's Department of Transportation has signed off on them.
A trip from end to end--that's Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles--could potentially take 50 minutes. Additionally, a bikeway will run along the light rail route to the Santa Monica terminus.
