Green light for LACMTA’s Expo Line

Citing extensive safety improvements, state regulators cleared the way for completion of the first leg of the Expo light rail project by approving a controversial street-level crossing next to Dorsey High School, the Los Angeles Times reports.

In its decision, the
California Public Utilities Commission adopted recommendations made in June by
one of the agency’s hearing officers, who supported a revised plan that called
for two station platforms, speed restrictions for trains, motor vehicle gates
and other safety improvements for a proposed rail crossing at Farmdale Avenue
and Exposition Boulevard.

The plan to lay track at
street level near Dorsey has been opposed for years by some neighborhood
associations, students, teachers, Dorsey alumni and community activists who
contend that elevated tracks are needed to eliminate an unacceptable accident
risk for pedestrians and motorists.

After the commission
rejected an initial design for the crossing in 2009, Expo officials added more
safety measures as part of a settlement agreement between the Los Angeles
Unified School District and the L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority.

Estimated to cost $900
million, the Expo Line’s first phase will run 8.6 miles from downtown L.A. to
Culver City via Exposition Boulevard. Construction is scheduled to be completed
next year.