Though the Metro Gold Line Extension is still in need of funding to get the light rail past Azusa, its Construction Authority moved forward with the next phase that would bring the Gold Line to Montclair.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the board of directors approved the Locally Preferred Alternative, the alignment and mode recommended for implementation, and certified the final environmental impact report for the 12.3-mile stretch that will include stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Claremont and Montclair. These will also include two new grade-separated crossings at Lone Hill Avenue in Glendora and Towne Avenue in Pomona.
“This is an important next step in our effort to connect Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire by light rail and a very exciting milestone,” said Doug Tessitor, Chairman of the Construction Authority board of directors, and Glendora councilmember. “The Construction Authority is steadfastly committed to completing our mission of building the Gold Line out to Montclair, and hopefully further to Ontario Airport. Our decision last night allows us to move forward with designing the project as we seek funding to build the line east of Azusa.”
Measure R provided $810 million for the 24-mile project, which was enough to take the project to the Azusa/Glendora border. Officials say completing the project to Montclair will take twice that amount.
Tessitor said the board is continuing to garner support from corridor cities and elected officials while moving forward with design elements of the project.
“The board is committed to working through all unresolved issues as we continue to work through the details of this important and large-scale project and start to design elements,” said Tessitor in a statement.
