Tell Metro We Need the Best Multimodal I-405 Plan Possible!
Metro has just released a BIG transportation plan. The I-405 Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan creates a guiding vision to reimagine the possibilities for getting around one of the most congested corridors in Los Angeles County.
The plan’s study area covers the entire length of the I-405 in LA County and three miles on either side, and will help Metro compete for and secure a portion of $250 million in state funding available for congested corridors. Proposed projects are listed from Tier 1 (highest priority) to Tier 3 (lowest priority).
The plan has some great aspects, but we need your help emphasizing some crucial priorities:
- The devastating effects of freeway widening need to be better accounted for, and those proposed projects should be ranked lower in the plan.
- There is a monorail project in Crenshaw/Inglewood categorized as Tier 1, which would be much less efficient than bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail and heavy rail configurations. This configuration should be reconsidered.
- There are BRT lines identified for light rail replacement. This has been done and undone before. If a bus line has dedicated lanes, it should not be replaced by light rail. Funds are better spent increasing the BRT network and service reliability. Higher need communities have projects that need more planning and engagement, meaning they’re ranked lower than high-income communities’ shovel-ready projects. Planning, engagement and project preparation should be prioritized in high-need communities like central city and the gateway cities so they can be moved to Tier 1 as soon as possible.
The great news: there are lots of Tier 1 (BRT) projects listed! This is excellent news, as BRT is incredibly cost-effective, efficient, and a great way to get to places along “main street” style arterials.