East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project

{{Short description|Light rail transit project in Los Angeles, California}}

{{Infobox rail line

| box_width =

| name = {{LACMTA link logo}} East San Fernando Valley
Light Rail Transit Project

| other_name =

| color = {{rcr|Los Angeles Metro Rail|ESFV}}

| logo =

| logo_width =

| logo_alt =

| image =

| image_width =

| image_alt =

| caption = Planned route in Los Angeles, CA, with its planned stations.

| type = Light rail

| system = Los Angeles Metro Rail

| status = Under construction

| locale = San Fernando Valley

| start = {{LAMs|Sylmar/San Fernando}}

| end = {{LAMs|Van Nuys}}

| stations = 14

| daily_ridership =

| ridership2 =

| planopen = {{Start date|2031||df=y}} (G Line to {{LAMs|Van Nuys/San Fernando}})

| open =

| yearcommenced =

| yearcompleted =

| close =

| event1label =

| event1 =

| event2label =

| event2 =

| event3label =

| event3 =

| owner =

| operator =

| character = Median-running at grade

| depot =

| stock = P3030 LRV{{Cite web |date=April 2024 |title=P3030 Light Rail Procurement|url=https://boardagendas.metro.net/board-report/2020-0056/ |publisher=Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=May 3, 2024 }}

| linelength = {{convert|6.7|mi|abbr=on}} (G Line to Van Nuys/San Fernando)
{{convert|9.2|mi|abbr=on}} (full line)

| tracklength =

| tracks = 2

| gauge = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}

| load_gauge =

| minradius =

| routenumber =

| linenumber =

| electrification = {{750 V DC|conductor=overhead}}

| speed =

| signalling =

| elevation =

| website = https://www.metro.net/projects/east-sfv/

| map = {{East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project|inline=yes}}

| map_name =

| map_state = collapsed

| embedded =

}}

The East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project (formerly the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project) is a transit project constructing a light rail line on the east side of Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley, running on a north–south route along Van Nuys Boulevard and the Antelope Valley Line.{{cite news |last1=Chiland |first1=Elijah |title=Metro greenlights new light rail line in the San Fernando Valley |url=https://la.curbed.com/2018/6/28/17515128/valley-transit-metro-east-corridor-approved |access-date=29 August 2020 |agency=CurbedLA |date=28 June 2018}}

The project is being planned by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and has been given high priority by Metro in its long-range plan, and funding for the project is included in Measure R and Measure M.{{cite web|url=https://www.metro.net/projects/east-sfv/|title=East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor|website=www.metro.net|access-date=2 February 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metro.net/projects/east-sfv/draft-eiseir/|title=Draft EIS/EIR|website=www.metro.net|access-date=2 February 2019}}

The project's timeline was accelerated under the Twenty-eight by '28 initiative.{{cite news |last1=Sharp |first1=Steven |title=Here are the 28 Projects that Metro Could Complete Before the 2028 Olympics |url=https://urbanize.la/post/here-are-28-projects-metro-could-complete-2028-olympics |access-date=2 July 2018 |agency=Urbanize |date=27 November 2018}}

In June 2018, Metro staff recommended the corridor be built as an at-grade rail line without tunneling, making it a part of the Los Angeles Metro Rail system. In December 2020, Metro approved the Final EIR with the option to build the rail line in segments.{{Cite web|last=Sotero|first=Dave|date=2020-12-03|title=Metro Board approves Final EIR for East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project|url=https://thesource.metro.net/2020/12/03/metro-board-approves-final-eir-for-east-san-fernando-valley-light-rail-transit-project/|access-date=2020-12-04|website=The Source|language=en-US}}

On December 2, 2022, Metro officially began advanced utility relocation for the line.{{Cite web|last=Metro|first=LA|date=2022-12-02|title=Groundbreaking held for advance utility work on East San Fernando Valley light rail project|url=https://thesource.metro.net/2022/12/02/groundbreaking-held-for-advance-utility-work-on-east-san-fernando-valley-light-rail-project/|access-date=2022-12-09|website=The Source|language=en-US}} The tentative completion date for the first phase of the project is 2031.{{Cite tweet |user=numble |number=1729197872242217344 |title=October 2023 status report for LA Metro's East San Fernando Valley line. Contractor's initial schedule shows line opening at end of 2031, Metro is targeting summer 2031. |url=https://twitter.com/numble/status/1729197872242217344 |date=November 27, 2023 |access-date=November 28, 2023}}

Overview

The northern end of the proposed line is Sylmar/San Fernando station, providing a connection to the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line, and the southern end would be the G Line's Van Nuys station.{{citation |url=https://media.metro.net/projects_studies/east_sfv/images/deis-deir/esfv_DEIS-DEIR.pdf |title=Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Draft Environmental Impact Report for the East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor |date=August 2017 |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority}} An important intermediary stop would be at the currently existing Van Nuys Metrolink and Amtrak station, where passengers could transfer to the Ventura County Line, Amtrak routes, and the proposed Sepulveda Transit Corridor to the Westside. The Metro staff recommendation included 14 stations for the {{convert|9.2|mi|km|adj=on}} line.{{cite web |url=https://metro.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=6314912&GUID=484B7881-44C3-41E1-B728-9D7CAA8B6085 |title=ESFVTC: Alignment Map, Station Locations & Project Description}}

The Pacific Electric San Fernando Line ran a north–south line between Downtown Los Angeles and San Fernando, partially on Van Nuys Avenue, from 1911 to 1952 before being dismantled and converted to bus service. The project route was portrayed in the project map included in the 1980 Proposition A documentation. Metro Rapid bus lines that serve the route {{as of |2022|lc=y}} are route 761 on Van Nuys Boulevard, with additional Metro Local lines supplementing both. Planning for the line will take into consideration other major planned infrastructure projects, including a Sepulveda Transit Corridor rail link, the conversion of the G Line from bus rapid transit to light rail, and double tracking of the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line.

The Draft Environmental Impact Report was completed and released in September 2017, and the final clearance was granted by the Federal Transit Administration in February 2021.

By 2020, funds were being acquired, with $800 million coming from Measure M, $200 million from Road Repair and Accountability Act gas tax, and $200 million from other state-level sources.{{cite news |last1=Sharp |first1=Steven |date=18 June 2018 |title=Metro Staff Recommends Light Rail for Van Nuys Boulevard |url=https://urbanize.la/post/metro-staff-recommends-light-rail-van-nuys-boulevard |access-date=27 August 2020 |agency=Urbanize LA}} In 2022, the Federal Transit Administration issued a Letter of Intent to provide $909 million to fund the project.{{cite news |last1=Scauzillo |first1=Steve |date=27 May 2022 |title=East San Fernando Valley rail line project gets $909 million boost from Feds |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2022/05/27/east-san-fernando-valley-rail-line-project-gets-909-million-boost-from-feds/ |access-date=26 July 2022 |agency=Los Angeles Daily News}} In 2024, this turned into a signed agreement for an $893 million federal grant from the United States Department of Transportation. This grant was received by Metro on September 6, 2024.{{cite news |last1=Granda |first1=Carlos |title=Light rail project connecting Van Nuys to Sylmar gets $893 million federal grant |url=https://abc7.com/post/san-fernando-valley-light-rail-project-connecting-van-nuys-sylmar-gets-893-million-federal-grant/15275046/ |access-date=September 16, 2024 |work=KABC-TV |publisher=ABC Owned Television Stations |date=September 6, 2024}} In January 2023, the project was awarded another $600 million out of the state's Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, originating from the state's budget surplus in prior years.[https://www.dropbox.com/s/njlxah8s93gfbiz/2%202023%20TIRCP%20Existing%20Project%20Detailed%20Award%20SummaryFinala11y.pdf?dl=0 2023 TRANSIT AND INTERCITY RAIL CAPITAL PROGRAM. EXISTING TIRCP PROJECTS LEVERAGING FEDERAL AND LOCAL FUNDS RESERVE. JANUARY 31, 2023.] The capital project cost for the first phase is estimated to be $3.635 billion.{{cite web |title=U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Path Forward for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Phase I Project Under the Expedited Project Delivery Pilot Program |url=https://www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/us-department-transportation-announces-path-forward-los-angeles-county-metropolitan |access-date=3 June 2022 |website=Federal Transit Administration}}

History

Six initial alternatives were developed during the environmental review process:{{cite web|url=https://urbanize.la/post/east-san-fernando-valley-transit-corridor-rendered|title=The East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor: Rendered|date=17 November 2014|website=Urbanize LA|access-date=2 February 2019}}

class="wikitable"
DEIR Alternative ! Description ! New trips ! Estimated cost (billions){{cite web\|url=https://urbanize.la/post/east-san-fernando-valley-transit-corridor-takes-another-step-towards-reality\|title=East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Takes Another Step Towards Reality\|date=1 September 2017\|website=Urbanize LA\|access-date=2 February 2019}}
Alternative 1 \|No build \| align="right" \| N/A \| align="right" \| N/A
Alternative 2 \|Transportation system management \| align="right" \| N/A \| align="right" \| N/A
Alternative 3 \|Curb-running bus rapid transit (BRT) \| align="right" \| 30,900 \| align="right" \| $0.294
Alternative 4 \|Median-running BRT \| align="right" \| 31,500 \| align="right" \| $0.402
Alternative 5 \|Median-running light rail transit (LRT) with low-floor vehicles \| align="right" \| 35,800 \| align="right" \| $1.3
Alternative 6 \|Median-running LRT with high platform stations and some underground portions \| align="right" \| 47,400 \| align="right" \| $2.79

class="wikitable"

DEIR Alternative

! Description

! New trips

! Estimated cost
(billions){{cite web|url=https://urbanize.la/post/east-san-fernando-valley-transit-corridor-takes-another-step-towards-reality|title=East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Takes Another Step Towards Reality|date=1 September 2017|website=Urbanize LA|access-date=2 February 2019}}

Alternative 1

|No build

| align="right" | N/A

Alternative 2

|Transportation system management

| align="right" | N/A

Alternative 3

|Curb-running bus rapid transit (BRT)

| align="right" | 30,900

| align="right" | $0.294

Alternative 4

|Median-running BRT

| align="right" | 31,500

| align="right" | $0.402

Alternative 5

|Median-running light rail transit (LRT) with low-floor vehicles

| align="right" | 35,800

| align="right" | $1.3

Alternative 6

|Median-running LRT with high platform stations and some underground portions

| align="right" | 47,400

| align="right" | $2.79

=Route Selection: Alternative Six=

In June 2018, Metro staff recommended a modified version of Alternative 6, using high-floor light rail vehicles like other Metro Rail lines but entirely on the street and at grade. The underground section between Sherman Way and Roscoe stations was eliminated due to the high costs of tunneling.{{Cite web |title=Metro staff recommends building light rail between Van Nuys and Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station |url=https://thesource.metro.net/2018/06/15/metro-staff-recommends-building-light-rail-between-van-nuys-and-sylmar-san-fernando-metrolink-station/ |last=Hymon |first=Steve |date=16 June 2018 |website=metro.net |access-date=2 February 2019}}

Metro approved the project with $1.3 billion in funds, initiating the final EIR. The northern terminus will be the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station. The light rail train will run southeast for {{convert|2+1/2|mi|km|spell=in}} on San Fernando Road to Van Nuys Boulevard. It then heads south on Van Nuys Boulevard for {{convert|5|mi|spell=in}} reaching the Van Nuys Metrolink station. Its southern terminus will be the Van Nuys G Line station near L.A.'s Van Nuys City Hall {{convert|2|mi|spell=in}} further south.{{Cite web |title=L.A. Metro Board Approves Light Rail for East San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor Project |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/press-release/12419005/los-angeles-county-metropolitan-transportation-authority-metro-la-metro-board-approves-light-rail-for-east-san-fernando-valley-transit-corridor-project |website=www.MassTransitMag.com |date=July 2, 2018 |access-date=2 February 2019}}

Phase ! Date opening ! Station ! City/Neighborhood ! Connecting services{{Cite web \|title=Bus and Rail System Map \|url=https://media.metro.net/documents/742b6116-1c6a-47af-93f3-514cbc8a4fb8.pdf \|publisher=Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority \|access-date=2018-12-03}}
class="wikitable"
bgcolor = #{{rcr\|Los Angeles Metro Rail\|ESFV}} \|colspan = "5"\|
bgcolor="lightgray" \| rowspan=3 \| 2	rowspan=3 \| TBA \| {{LAMs\|Sylmar/San Fernando}}	Sylmar	{{rint\|losangeles\|metrolink}} Metrolink: {{rcb\|Metrolink (California)\|Antelope Valley\|inline=yes}}
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Maclay	San Fernando
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Paxton	rowspan=3\| Pacoima
bgcolor="lightgray" \| rowspan=11 \| 1	rowspan=11 \| 2031 \| Van Nuys/San Fernando
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Laurel Canyon
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Arleta	rowspan=2\| Arleta
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Woodman
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Nordhoff	rowspan=2\| Panorama City
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Roscoe
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Van Nuys/Metrolink	rowspan=5\| Van Nuys	{{rint\|us\|amtrak}} Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner & Coast Starlight, {{rint\|losangeles\|metrolink}} Metrolink: {{rcb\|Metrolink (California)\|Ventura County\|inline=yes}} Possible future terminus of the Sepulveda Transit Corridor{{Cite web \|title=Here are the four new refined concepts for Sepulveda Transit Corridor \|url=https://thesource.metro.net/2019/01/29/here-are-the-four-new-refined-concepts-for-sepulveda-transit-corridor/ \|last=Hymon \|first=Steve \|date=29 January 2019 \|website=metro.net \|access-date=2 February 2019}}
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Sherman Way
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Vanowen
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Victory
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Van Nuys/MOL	{{LACMTA icon\|G\|showtext=yes}}
bgcolor = #{{rcr\|Los Angeles Metro Rail\|ESFV}} \|colspan = "5"\|

By 2023, Metro initiated a new study of the northern phase of the project to better plan for how to share the right of way with an expanded Antelope Valley Line.{{cite news |title=We're building light rail for the Valley. |url=https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rc70nbkrfjsn9o0escab9/2023-ESFV-Fall-Community-Mtgs.pdf?rlkey=qiz437wbqw4njvwigk7vdv9nv&dl=0 |access-date=13 November 2023 |agency=Metro |date=2023}} Since development of the ESFVLRT began, Metrolink had released plans to double track their line, which was not adequately accounted for in the initial plans.

=Construction=

The line is planned to be built in two phases: the first runs from the Van Nuys G Line station to San Fernando Road with the remaining segment to be completed later.{{cite press release |title=FTA environmentally clears L.A. Metro's East San Fernando Valley light-rail transit project |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/press-release/21208486/los-angeles-county-metropolitan-transportation-authority-metro-fta-environmentally-clears-la-metros-east-san-fernando-valley-lightrail-transit-project |access-date=2 February 2021 |agency=Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority |publisher=Mass Transit |date=2 February 2021}}{{cite news |title=East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project Now Eligible For Federal Funding |url=https://mynewsla.com/business/2021/02/01/east-san-fernando-valley-light-rail-project-now-eligible-for-federal-funding/ |access-date=2 February 2021 |agency=MyNewsLA.com |date=1 February 2021}} Groundbreaking occurred in December 2022, with operations to begin in 2031.{{Cite web |last=Metro |first=L. A. |date=2022-12-02 |title=Groundbreaking held for advance utility work on East San Fernando Valley light rail project |url=https://thesourcearchives.metro.net/2022/12/02/groundbreaking-held-for-advance-utility-work-on-east-san-fernando-valley-light-rail-project/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=The Source |language=en-US}}{{cite web | url=https://www.metro.net/projects/east-sfv/ | title=East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project }}{{cite news |last1=Scauzillo |first1=Steve |title=Metro gets rolling on San Fernando Valley light rail construction |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2024/07/26/s-f-valley-light-rail-construction-begins-with-eminent-domain-biz-relocation/ |access-date=August 2, 2024 |work=Los Angeles Daily News |publisher=MediaNews Group |date=July 28, 2024}}

References

External links

{{Official website|https://www.metro.net/projects/east-sfv/}}

Category:Transportation in Los Angeles

Category:Transportation in the San Fernando Valley

Category:Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Category:Los Angeles Metro Rail projects

Category:Public transportation in Los Angeles

Category:Public transportation in Los Angeles County, California

Category:Proposed railway lines in California

Category:2031 in rail transport

Phase ! Date opening ! Station ! City/Neighborhood ! Connecting services{{Cite web \|title=Bus and Rail System Map \|url=https://media.metro.net/documents/742b6116-1c6a-47af-93f3-514cbc8a4fb8.pdf \|publisher=Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority \|access-date=2018-12-03}}
class="wikitable"
bgcolor = #{{rcr\|Los Angeles Metro Rail\|ESFV}} \|colspan = "5"\|
bgcolor="lightgray" \| rowspan=3 \| 2	rowspan=3 \| TBA \| {{LAMs\|Sylmar/San Fernando}}	Sylmar	{{rint\|losangeles\|metrolink}} Metrolink: {{rcb\|Metrolink (California)\|Antelope Valley\|inline=yes}}
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Maclay	San Fernando
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Paxton	rowspan=3\| Pacoima
bgcolor="lightgray" \| rowspan=11 \| 1	rowspan=11 \| 2031 \| Van Nuys/San Fernando
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Laurel Canyon
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Arleta	rowspan=2\| Arleta
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Woodman
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Nordhoff	rowspan=2\| Panorama City
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Roscoe
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Van Nuys/Metrolink	rowspan=5\| Van Nuys	{{rint\|us\|amtrak}} Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner & Coast Starlight, {{rint\|losangeles\|metrolink}} Metrolink: {{rcb\|Metrolink (California)\|Ventura County\|inline=yes}} Possible future terminus of the Sepulveda Transit Corridor{{Cite web \|title=Here are the four new refined concepts for Sepulveda Transit Corridor \|url=https://thesource.metro.net/2019/01/29/here-are-the-four-new-refined-concepts-for-sepulveda-transit-corridor/ \|last=Hymon \|first=Steve \|date=29 January 2019 \|website=metro.net \|access-date=2 February 2019}}
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Sherman Way
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Vanowen
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Victory
bgcolor="lightgray" \| Van Nuys/MOL	{{LACMTA icon\|G\|showtext=yes}}
bgcolor = #{{rcr\|Los Angeles Metro Rail\|ESFV}} \|colspan = "5"\|