San Fernando Valley light-rail project gets green light from FTA

There will be a total of 14 stations on the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail line.

The East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project is eligible for federal funding. Construction is expected to start in 2022, and L.A. Metro board members say the financial assistance will help move the project to completion. The line should be open in time for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

The Federal Transit Administration certified that the $1.3 billion project meets guidelines for environmental analysis.

The project will connect the Van Nuys “G” (Orange) Line Station with the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station. There will be a total of 14 stops on the light-rail line, and it will take 31 minutes to ride the total length of the route. Metro believes there will be over 30,000 daily riders by 2040.

Metro made a $30 million investment in utility work a month ago to expedite construction.

“Now, with the Federal Transportation Authority’s Record of Decision, this line becomes eligible for federal funding opportunities, and we are well on our way toward full funding and completion of the foundation for the future of transit in the San Fernando Valley,” Metro board member Paul Krekorian said.

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