Below is a list of frequently asked questions about Advancing Alhambra. Please get in touch with us if you have any additional questions or comments.
In 2017 the Metro board passed a motion effectively abandoning the tunnel project in favor of local mobility improvement projects aimed at bringing relief to 710 corridor cities.
Metro reallocated tunnel funding (Measure R) to area municipalities to enhance transportation safety and operations and reduce traffic congestion in the I-710 extension corridor. Initially, the funds were directed for transportation systems and transportation demand projects to minimize the impacts of regional traffic. In February 2022, the Metro Board expanded the application of funds to include multimodal and safety enhancement projects.
Advancing Alhambra is the city’s plan to identify and ultimately address traffic and transit issues in lieu of the 710 tunnel. The goal is to address congestion and cut-through traffic issues both through improvements to the city’s streets and thoroughfares without negatively impacting the overall region and through careful planning, consideration and implementation of other transportation options, including biking and walking.
We are in the very early stages of the process. Currently Advancing Alhambra is completing the initial research phase led by local transportation experts retained by the City: Gibson Transportation Consulting and Kimley-Horn. These experts have analyzed the region and identified four major locations within Alhambra as targets for potential mobility projects. With these preliminary studies completed, the Advancing Alhambra team is now seeking the input of area residents to help define the problem and begin shaping targeted solutions.
Meanwhile, the City has also undertaken the development of a bicycle and pedestrian improvement plan. This plan will study the needs of Alhambra’s active transportation users and will help establish connections, choices, and improvements for bikers and walkers. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan is expected to be released for public review in the Fall of 2023.
Four road locations have been identified for improvements projects: Conversion of the I-710 stub from a six-lane freeway into a four-lane arterial street between the I-10/I-710 interchange and Valley Boulevard, as well as upgrades at three key Alhambra I-10 interchanges – Fremont, Atlantic and Garfield. The four locations can be viewed here.
The City’s engineering consultants for the 710 mobility improvements are taking into consideration bike and pedestrian enhancements, if possible, within the City’s four major location areas.
The process of identifying the City’s bicycle and pedestrian improvement locations is underway. Recommendations are expected to be released for public review in the Fall of 2023.
The 710 stub is the portion of the 710 Freeway north of Interstate 10 that ends at Valley Boulevard. It is one of the areas of the 710 corridor that is targeted by Advancing Alhambra for possible improvements.
The I-10 and interchange improvements are key to the congestion relief that is needed. Relieving congestion on eastbound I-10 and northbound I-710 will attract traffic that is not destined for Alhambra away from the 710 stub and to the freeways. Keeping commuters on the freeways provides the opportunity to reduce cut-through traffic in Alhambra.
The four improvements together are projected to provide local relief without altering regional travel patterns. In addition, when coupled with opportunities for active transportation, as more community members walk and bike rather than drive, this too will help provide congestion relief.
Yes. Major road improvements such as those being contemplated are not made in a bubble. Caltrans requires that the proposed improvements in Alhambra both improve traffic locally and avoid traffic impacts in the surrounding region. Advancing Alhambra representatives have met with and will continue to meet and coordinate with abutting jurisdictions, as well as the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (COG), and the City and County of Los Angeles.
LA County Metro and Caltrans will play an integral role in the process as the agencies will be responsible for the actual improvements. To garner support from the two agencies, it is essential that the proposed improvements in Alhambra not only improve traffic locally, but also avoid causing additional traffic impacts in the surrounding region, as well as demonstrate local support.
The 710 stub and I-10 interchanges are Caltrans-owned facilities, and as such, the projects are required to follow a lengthy process for development.
The improvements at the Fremont Ave. interchange will be the first set of improvements completed, followed by the conversion of the 710 stub to an arterial roadway and the interchange improvements at Atlantic Blvd. and Garfield Ave.
The anticipated timeline for the I-10 Fremont interchange improvements is as follows:
The community’s participation is critical to making these improvements happen, and we encourage your involvement throughout the process. We are seeking input from residents and other local stakeholders about their personal experiences with the four locations identified for potential improvements. Please take a moment to share your experience today.
We want to hear from you.
Share your experience with these locations here.