Sheriff’s Deputies Enforce Safety Laws Along New Six-mile Metro Gold Line Extension to East Los Angeles
- Respect traffic signage, avoid a ticket
With Metro running more test trains along the newly constructed Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension from downtown to East Los Angeles, Sheriff’s deputies are enforcing the law to protect and educate pedestrians and motorists and prevent traffic incidents around Alameda, First, Indiana, and Third streets and Pomona Boulevard. Warning citations and tickets with fines that could be in excess of $250 are being issued.
The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension, which will feature eight stations (two underground), will run six miles from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles via the Arts District/Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights to Atlantic/Pomona Boulevards in East Los Angeles. Following successful testing and pre-revenue service to familiarize Metro operators with the new service, the line will open but an opening date has not yet been determined.
There have been changes in traffic signage, traffic configuration and street parking in the Eastside communities so residents, motorists and pedestrians need to take note of these new changes and obey the law to be safe.
“The bottom line is safety,” said Los Angeles City Mayor and Metro Board Chairman Antonio Villaraigosa. “These trains can’t stop on a dime. Look and listen. Pay attention to the signage and be safe.”
Since last year Metro staff has been canvassing the Eastside promoting the agency’s Safety 1st Campaign, Look, Listen & Stay Alive, which included delivery of approximately 85,000 flyers door to door with information on how residents should take personal responsibility and be aware of their own safety. Staff visited 60 schools from Kindergarten to 12th grade, libraries, religious and community centers, and hospitals in the service area.
“Safety is my biggest priority as the Gold Line Eastside Extension prepares to open,” said José Huizar, Metro Director and 14th District City Councilmember. “And I want to remind the community to please pay close attention to speed limits, crossings and other traffic requirements and to tell loved ones to do the same."
Sheriff’s deputies also are visiting schools in the area to remind students to respect all traffic laws and pay attention to stop signs and red lights, wait for the green light at the stop line at the intersections when the trains cross, don’t jaywalk across the railroad right-of-way and only use pedestrian crosswalks.
Metro also has deployed 12 ambassadors at several Eastside intersections to help pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists become familiar with the new light rail trains and to educate pedestrians on how to be safe around trains during the testing period. The ambassadors will be deployed until the Eastside Extension opens and for three months after that.
The ambassadors are at Alameda/Temple, First/Alameda, First/Mission, First/Lorena, First/Indiana, Indiana/Third and Third/Mednik from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and during the weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Metro began construction of the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension in July 2004. The light rail construction project is within budget, on time and the contractor has logged more than 4 million working hours without a day lost for any accident or injuries.
Residents or organizations can request information on how to get safety training by contacting Metro Community Relations, Transit Education Program at (213) 922-4050 or e-mail pattersond@metro.net.
Metro distributed a map with the adjustments to new traffic patterns on or around Alameda, First, Indiana, and Third streets. The map indicates where crossing from south to north and vice versa can be done, left turns, and parking are allowed. For a copy of the area map, visit the Metro website at www.metro.net/eastside or contact Metro Community Relations at (213) 922-2259.
