C Line Extension

Last updated

C Line Extension Project
LA Metro C Line Redondo Beach station stub tracks, November 2023.jpg
Stub tracks at the southern end of Redondo Beach station
Overview
StatusProposed
Locale Redondo Beach
Lawndale
Torrance
Termini
Website metro.net
Service
Type Light rail
System Los Angeles Metro Rail
Operator(s) Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
History
Planned opening2030–2033 (expected)
Technical
Track gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Electrification Overhead line,  750 V DC
Route map

Contents

Legend
BSicon exhCONTg ruby.svg
LACMTA Circle K Line.svg  
BSicon lhBHFe.svg
BSicon KBHFxe exruby.svg
 Redondo Beach
BSicon exCBHFae exruby.svg
 Redondo Beach Transit Center
BSicon exKBHFe exruby.svg
 Torrance Transit Center
Wheelchair symbol.svg All stations are accessible
This diagram:

The C Line Extension is a project by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to extend the C Line (formerly known as the Green Line) from its terminus in Redondo Beach to Torrance. It is expected to open for service between 2030 and 2033. [1] The project was known as the South Bay Metro Light Rail Extension in planning.

The project will become an extension of the K Line upon the completion of LAX/Metro Transit Center station in late 2024, which will become the C Line's new western terminus and allow K Line trains to terminate at Redondo Beach station. [2]

Overview

Metro is currently working on the initial environmental study of a corridor extension of the C Line from its Redondo terminus toward the southeast. The extension would roughly follow the Harbor Subdivision right of way into the South Bay, to the proposed Torrance Regional Transit Center (RTC). [3]

A study of the South Bay Extension was necessary to initiate the publication of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The study was expected to be completed in 2011, but the project was placed on hold in the Spring of 2012 due to uncertain funding.[ citation needed ] With the passage of Measure M in 2016, $619 million was earmarked for the Green Line Extension south and the study resumed. The environmental impact report was scheduled to be released in March 2022, [4] but was ultimately pushed back to fall/winter 2022. [5] Preparing the report led the agency to study further alternatives for grade separations along the two routes. [1] The draft environmental impact report was eventually released in January 2023. [6]

Route selection

Four potential routes for the extension starting at Redondo Beach station were initially considered. The station in Lawndale was eliminated due to community opposition. [4]

Metro authorized two of four alternatives to move forward: Alternative #1 and Alternative #3. Metro staff recommended the two alternatives for the draft environmental impact statement (DEIR) status for further analysis and refinement in September 2018. The study area includes the former Harbor Subdivisions right of way. The extension study consists of the Redondo Beach station to the Torrance Transit Center, a 4.5-mile (7.2 km) extension study area. [7] Metro began composing the DEIR in January 2021 [8] and released it in January 2023. [5] Both alternatives shared the same alignment south of 190th Street. [9]

The first alternative was expanded into two options, differing in whether the alignment is mainly built above grade over the existing ROW or in an open-air trench under the current ROW (with the freight ROW being rebuilt afterward). The route and stations were identical between the two options. Elements from the two options were then blended into a third "Hybrid Alternative" based on community input, which used the elevated/street level option from Redondo Beach station to 165th Street, where the alternative switched to the trench option all the way south to the Torrance Transit Center. The Hybrid Alternative also added two under-crossings at 170th Street and 182nd Street. [9]

DEIR Alternative [7] DescriptionRidership
(daily)		Estimated cost
(billions)
Alternative 1: ROW AlignmentA Light rail transit (LRT) line heading south from the Redondo Beach station on the ROW of Harbor Subdivision. A stop at the Redondo Beach Transit Center adjacent to Pacific Crest Cemetery between Grant Ave and 182nd St. On 190th St., it continues southeast along the ROW with a terminus at the Torrance Transit Center. A 7-minute ride.10,340$0.893
Alternative 3: Hawthorne AlignmentA LRT line heading southeast from Redondo Beach station parallel to I-405, which then heads south on Hawthorne Boulevard. Two new stations, a South Bay Galleria mall station and a station at Torrance Transit Center in Torrance along the Harbor Subdivision ROW at 465 Crenshaw Blvd. A 9-minute ride.10,640$1 to 1.2

The following table shows all potential Metro stations and the alternatives for which they apply:

Station OptionsAlt 1Alt 3Connecting Rail/Bus ServiceCommunity
Redondo Beach station (already built)Yes check.svgYes check.svgRedondo Beach
Redondo Beach Transit Center stationYes check.svg– Beach Cities Transit Redondo Beach
South Bay Galleria station–Yes check.svgRedondo Beach
Torrance Transit Center stationYes check.svgYes check.svg Torrance Transit Torrance

On April 17, 2024, Metro staff recommended the Hybrid Alternative as their preferred LPA to Metro's board of directors. [10] On May 23, 2024, the board of directors approved the Hybrid Alternative as the LPA at a board meeting, [11] however, with the added caveats of further studying and refining the cost estimates of both alternatives, as well as the development of a refined funding plan for the project. [12]

According to the LA County Expenditure Plan (Measure M), groundbreaking for the project is scheduled for 2026, with an expected opening in 2030–2033, as of 2022. [5] The timeline is expected to be accelerated under the Twenty-eight by '28 initiative. [13]

Recent Developments

As of recent discussions and motions, there has been significant progress and community involvement in the planning of the C Line (Green) Extension to Torrance. The Council of Governments (COG) has played a crucial role in these developments, with a notable motion passed regarding the project's alignment and support.

2024 Support for Metro C Line Extension in Torrance

Torrance City Council, in a recent meeting, solidified its support for the Metro C Line extension, opting for to support the "right-of-way option" for the project's route into the city. In response to security concerns, the Metro has pledged to collaborate closely with local entities to develop and implement comprehensive safety and security measures. [14]

Poll Shows Community Support

On August 16, 2023, Metro conducted a survey in regards to the C Line extension, in which 67% of the voters supported the project. After releasing an Draft Environmental Impact Review (EIR) of the project on January 27, 2023, 66% of the comments prefer extending the C Line using the Metro ROW option. [15]

COG Motion and Community Support

A motion was passed for the COG to remain neutral on the specific alignment of the C Line Extension while showing overall support for the project's continuation to Torrance. This decision reflects a collective agreement among various city representatives, indicating a strong regional backing for enhancing public transportation options. The voting outcome was as follows: [16]

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References

  1. 1 2 Sharp, Steven (August 9, 2022). "Metro rolls out new options for C Line extension to Torrance". Urbanize Los Angeles. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Board of Directors - Regular Board Meeting". Metro. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  3. ↑ Brightwell, Eric (October 13, 2013). "Exploring The South Bay Metro Green Line Extension". KCET . Archived from the original on November 21, 2013. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  4. 1 2 Green, Nick (February 15, 2021). "Metro rail line extension to Torrance tracking closer to possible 2028 opening". Daily Breeze . Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 "C Line (Green) Extension to Torrance".
  6. ↑ Sharp, Steven (January 30, 2023). "Draft EIR released for C Line extension to Torrance". Urbanize. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  7. 1 2 "Project 2018-0317".
  8. ↑ Hymon, Seth (January 29, 2021). "Work begins on Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for C Line (Green) Extension to Torrance". The Source. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Retrieved January 30, 2021.
  9. 1 2 "C Line Extension to Torrance (7 Minute)". YouTube . Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority . Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  10. ↑ "Metro - File #: 2023-0532". Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority . Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  11. ↑ Sharp, Steven (May 24, 2024). "Metro moves forward with Eastside and South Bay rail extensions Neither project is expected to open for passengers". Urbanize LA. Urbanize Media LLC. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  12. ↑ @numble (May 23, 2024). "LA Metro board approved staff's recommendation of the Hybrid ROW for K Line to Torrance extension. Inglewood Mayor Butts, who is Metro director representing South Bay, introduced motion for staff to respond to public comments and continue developing estimates and funding plan" (Tweet). Retrieved May 23, 2024– via Twitter.
  13. ↑ Sharp, Steven (October 27, 2017). "Here are the 28 Projects that Metro Could Complete Before the 2028 Olympics". Urbanize Los Angeles. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  14. ↑ Kopetman, Roxana (March 13, 2024). "Torrance will continue supporting Metro C Line extension into the city". Daily Breeze. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
  15. ↑ Myles, Maya (August 16, 2023). "Recent Poll Show Community Support for C Line (Green) Extension to Torrance Project". The Source. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  16. ↑ "COG Meeting Recording".
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