As we push into the second half of 2023, another milestone has been reached by the 9.1-mile Foothill Gold Line extension to Pomona.
At a ceremony held on June 24, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority marked the completion of major track work for the project, which includes four new stations at Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and the future eastern terminus next to the Pomona North Metrolink station.
“It is an historic and symbolic day for the Foothill Gold Line project and our corridor cities,” stated Foothill Gold Line Board Chairman and Claremont Mayor Ed Reece said in a news release. “The completion of the light rail tracks doesn’t just mark a physical connection between Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne and Pomona; it also marks the imminent arrival of a better and brighter transportation future for these foothill communities, the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles.”
Track completion ceremony for Foothill Gold Line extensionFoothill Gold Line Construction Authority
Construction for the extension commenced in July 2020, and includes the new construction of renovation of 19 bridges and 21-at grade crossings. Work is now 72 percent complete, up from the approximately 66 percent in late 2022, with construction expected to conclude in early January 2025. At that point, the corridor would be turned over to Metro for pre-revenue testing, and eventually the start of passenger service.
When it opens, the extension will be added into the A Line, with service to Long Beach through the recently-completed Regional Connector subway in Downtown. That would add another nine miles of track to the northern end of the A Line, which is already the longest light rail line in the world with its existing 48.5-mile route between Long Beach and Azusa.
Should the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority have its way, it could become even longer. The project was previously slated to run an additional three miles of track and two stops in Claremont and Montclair, but was reduced in scope due to a funding shortfall. To date, the project has tapped Measure R and Measure M money, but has failed to secure additional state funding.
Follow us on social media:
- Foothill Gold Line (Urbanize LA)
