The San Fernando Valley is about to get its first commuter rail service in more than 70 years.
Construction is set to begin this week on a 6.7-mile rail line connecting Van Nuys to Pacoima. The nearly $4 billion project will run along Van Nuys Boulevard and include 11 street stations and is expected to open in 2032, according to LA Metro, the Los Angeles County transportation agency.
The project is years behind schedule and billions of dollars over original budget.
The line was approved in 2018 and was originally scheduled to start construction in 2021 and open in 2027. The estimated cost is $1.3 billion.
Metro officials, who broke ground on the project with Metro Chairman and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Monday, did not immediately respond to questions about why the project has been delayed for so long. Metro’s board of directors approved the budget increase in May due to anticipated increases in construction costs, according to a board report.
Funding for the East San Fernando Valley light rail transit project includes Measures R and M, two local transportation sales tax measures and an $893 million grant from the federal government, the agency said in a news release.
Los Angeles City Councilman Adrin Nazarian, who represents the eastern San Fernando Valley, said the plan is “long overdue … economic justice” for overlooked immigrant communities living in areas that need but have limited public transportation. The area is currently served by two bus routes, with ridership in September of about 20,000, according to Metro.
“This is about equity, it’s about inclusivity, it’s about making sure that our investments make it easier for people to stop relying on expensive modes of transportation,” Nazarian said at the groundbreaking. “It brings communities closer together. It makes life faster because now you’re not stuck in traffic and you can spend time with your family.”
In 1952, the Pacific Electric streetcars ceased service and the area lost its last rail service. Metro board member and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said it remains “one of the busiest and most transit-reliant areas in our entire county.” He represents the valley and has been a leading advocate for the program.
Community discussions about the project began in 2010, according to a February Metro meeting. The project will eliminate some parking along Van Nuys Boulevard, and construction will affect traffic in the area. Several small businesses that will be affected by the construction have received grants from Metro to help mitigate the impact.
State Rep. Rodriguez (D-San Fernando) said she and her team meet regularly with community coalitions to ensure impacts are minimized and small business owners and communities are kept updated.
“A successful transit project is about more than just getting the wheels turning. It’s about the day-to-day experience of the people who use the system, the families who live along the corridor and the small businesses that make our communities thrive,” she said Monday. “This means safe and accessible footpaths, shaded waiting areas, reliable connections, adequate parking for residents and businesses, adequate lighting and clean and safe stations.”
When completed, the East San Fernando Valley Line will connect to local and regional transit services, including the Metro G Line and the Van Nuys Metrolink-Amtrak Station. One day, it will also include transfers to Sepulveda Transportation Corridor trains.