Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
MARCH 16, 2016
Preamble
Motion by:
Solis, Najarian, Krekorian, Antonovich and DuBois
March 16, 2016
New Station on the Metrolink Riverside Line and Multimodal Transit Hub
The Greater Whittier Narrows area encompasses the many communities that surround the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area including the cities of South El Monte, Pico Rivera, Whittier, Industry, Montebello and unincorporated communities of Avocado Heights, Pellissier Village, and Puente Hills. These communities are home to major regional destinations like Rio Hondo College, Rio Hondo Police & Fire Academy, Puente Hills Landfill Park and Rose Hills Cemetery. The area is also a large employment center with a high level of industrial and commercial facilities, such as the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County's Materials Recovery Center, FedEx distribution centers, the Shops at Montebello and Fry's Electronics among many others.
Based on the regional appeal and significant levels of activity, the Greater Whittier Narrows area is experiencing transportation capacity and operational deficiencies on local streets, arterials, and highways. The I-605 Needs Assessment and Initial Corridor Study identified the I-605/SR-60 interchange as a high priority "Hot Spot" due to increasing passenger vehicle and freight truck traffic. Although freeway improvements are justifiable and necessary, the region stands to benefit most from a comprehensive, multimodal approach aimed at shifting vehicle trips to transit alternatives and active transportation.
Currently, there are separate but related transportation projects and services that aim to achieve the common goals of reducing traffic congestion, improving safety for all road users, and improving air quality. These projects include:
* Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County Waste-by-Rail project (near complete);
* Rio Hondo College Multimodal Transit Hub project (early planning);
* LA County Department of ...
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