City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: September 17, 2024
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works Subject
I-710 South Corridor Status Update
Recommendation
Receive and file the report on the I-710 South Corridor Project.
Background
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) staff worked with Caltrans through a lengthy process to develop the I-710 South Corridor Project resulting in three final project alternatives that were considered by the Metro Board: Alternative 1 (the “No Build” alternative), and “Build Alternatives” 5C and 7. At its March 2018 meeting, the Metro Board approved Alternative 5C as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the project to advance through the environmental process. Three years later, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required additional air quality analysis for the proposed project. This delay rendered the data supporting Alternative 5C and the entire environmental document stale and in need of re-validation.
At its May 2021 meeting, the Metro Board decided to suspend further work on the environmental clearance of the I-710 South Corridor Project LPA 5C due to environmental, community impact and displacement concerns raised by local communities, Caltrans, and the EPA. The Board directed staff to pursue an alternative path to developing a better program of projects for the I710 South corridor by re-engaging impacted communities and stakeholders to develop a more multimodal and sustainable approach to addressing transportation and community challenges in the corridor. A task force was created and charged with developing a Long Beach - East Los Angeles Corridor Draft Mobility Investment Plan (LB-ELA CMIP). The LB-ELA CMIP is focused on improving regional and local mobility of people, goods, and air quality while fostering economic vitality, social equity, environmental sustainability, and access to opportunity for the most impacted residents along the I-710 Corridor. The final LB-ELA CMIP was published on June 3, 2024. Some of the projects identified in the LB-ELA CMIP include support for zero emissions trucks, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen fueling stations, expanded bus service, and the creation of bicycle lanes.
The Metro Board has identified Alternative 1, the “No Build” alternative, as the LPA and has funded the completion of the environmental documents in order to clear the path for the Metro Board to take future action on projects and programs identified in the LB-ELA CIMP.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Long Beach – East Los Angeles Corridor Mobility Investment Plan