With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
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.
A Busway for Van Nuys Blvd. and More Rail Service in the Valley?
An example of a median busway in Taipei, Taiwen | Image via LADOT
()
An example of a median busway in Taipei, Taiwen | Image via LADOT
A study of north-south corridors in the San Fernando Valley concludes that the city of Los Angeles and Metro should further consider a median busway along five miles of Van Nuys Boulevard and developing more rail service, including linking the North Hollywood Red Line station with the Sylmar Metrolink Station in the Northeast Valley.
The recommendations come out of a study seeking solutions to improve north-south transit corridors in the Valley along the Reseda, Sepulveda, Van Nuys and Lankershim/San Fernando arteries--all connect to the Orange Line--in three phases. Phase 1 includes signal re-timing, lane restriping and bus stop relocations as well as the already-in-servce 902 line. Phase II entails capital improvements like roadway widening and transit enhancements at bus stops. Phase III would be long-term improvements such as constructing a five-mile median busway between Burbank Boulevard and Plummer Street and extending the Metro Red Line from its current terminus in the NoHo Arts District to Sylmar.
"According to 2008 Metro data, Van Nuys Boulevard is one of the top ten transit corridors in the County, with average daily bus boardings of 31,800," notes the report. "Sepulveda Boulevard has 11,400 daily boardings, followed by Lankershim Boulevard with 1.0,700 daily boardings and Reseda Boulevard with 9,800 daily boardings."
Support for LAist comes from
Although a median along Van Nuys Boulevard would increase speed by 15%, city transportation planners are concerned with how it would affect other modes of transportation. Their research "indicates that full-time exclusive median bus lanes create policy trade-offs due to narrow roadway widths in most of the corridor segments where bus lanes are most needed to improve bus speeds." However, the "busway could include underground grade separations at major cross streets to avoid significant traffic impacts, It could also include a tunnel segment of approximately 1-mile under the Van Nuys Civic Center between the Metro Orange Line and Vanowen Street."
As for rail service, LADOT notes that the northeast valley is home to a large transit dependent population but no mass transit rail service is in the area. Commuter rail can be found at the Sylmar Metrolink Station, which may be designated as a High Speed Rail station, but other than buses, nothing connects riders to other parts of the city. Staff say a rail solution should be studied, including the possibility of light rail.
Funding for the project would come from various sources, including Measure R. The corridors are part of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's 30/10 plan. A north-south extension of the Orange Line is already underway along Canoga Avenue in the West Valley and is expected to open in 2012.
The study will be discussed at next week's City Council Transportation committee meeting. The full report can be found here.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
Best of LAist