Proposal to extend Green Line with Metrolink enters preliminary stage

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NORWALK – Possible plans for the connection of two of Norwalk’s public transit stations are currently under study.

The project in question would connect the Green Line to the Norwalk / Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Station. 

Currently, the Southern California Association of Governments is doing the research into the idea’s potential.

“We’re in the very early stages, and we’re sharing the information we’ve gathered so far about what’s out there today in terms of the demographics, and what are the travel needs of the population here,  what are the potential benefits of this project regionally and locally,” said Phillip Law, project manager for the  study. 

“We really haven’t done any work in terms of trying to design or plan out the solution, because we want to hear from the people who will benefit from this project potentially - the residents of Norwalk, the people that use the Green Line and the Metrolink lines – we want to hear from them on how this project should be planned and take all of their input before we start developing potential alternatives.”   

The second of two community open houses for the project was held Wednesday evening.

According to Law, community members have already raised concerns about potential displacement due to the project. Others also failed to see the direct benefits to Norwalk, despite the regional pros the connection would bring. 

Details for what the project could entail are extremely vague as a whole up to this point without a solid plan in place. Factors such as construction and community impact all very depending on how the project eventually proceeds. 

Even time of implementation is up in the air depending on funding. Even still, the entire process could take upwards of 14 years. Potentially, the project could have to wait for Measure M, which would push the project out to 2046.

There are several ways the project could be developed, including at grade (street level), below-grade (subway), and above grade (elevated) options.  However, SCAG will eventually pass on their study results to Metro, and the ultimate decision will fall to the discussions between Metro and City Council. 

The project’s study is anticipated to be completed by March of 2018