La Verne: Gold Line Construction Updates Jan. 21, 2021

Press release from the La Verne Chamber of Commerce:

January 22, 2021

Three active grade crossing reconstructions are currently underway: Barranca Ave. and Glendora Ave. in Glendora, and Wheeler Ave. in La Verne. KPJV crews have relocated and protected most of the underground utilities at these crossings, with the Barranca Ave. and Wheeler Ave. utility work nearly complete.

At Barranca Ave., crews have begun building the light rail tracks and relocated freight track, as well as constructing the new roadway, medians, curbs, gutters and sidewalks. The crossing is anticipated to be completed and reopened to traffic by January 25.

At Glendora Ave., crews are currently relocating and protecting underground water lines and building new storm drains.

Over the past few weeks at Wheeler Ave., crews built a new sewer line, installed underground conduit to house and protect the communications lines for the rail systems, and built a temporary freight track to allow existing freight service to make deliveries. They have now moved on to building the light rail tracks and relocated freight track, as well as the new roadway, medians, curbs, gutters and sidewalks. The crossing is anticipated to be completed and reopened to traffic by January 29.

A tremendous amount of work, time and effort is required to rebuild each grade crossing. We appreciate the patience and understanding of project neighbors and the larger community who have been impacted by the construction.

Upcoming Grade Crossing Closures
In the coming weeks, crews will begin work reconstructing the following grade crossings:

• Elwood Ave. and Vermont Ave. in Glendora
• A St. in La Verne
• Fulton Rd. in La Verne/Pomona

These reconstructions will require long-term full closures of the crossings to vehicles and pedestrians, while crews relocate underground utilities, relocate the existing freight track, install two light rail tracks, install a new safety and communication system, rebuild the street and much more.

More information on these closures, including anticipated start and end dates, detour routes, and more, will be made available in the coming weeks.

If you know of anyone who may be impacted by these upcoming closures, they are encouraged to sign up for Construction Alerts at www.foothillgoldline.org.

Permanent Closure of Glenwood Ave. Crossing
Following the reopening of the Barranca Ave. grade crossing, crews will permanently close the Glenwood Ave. crossing in Glendora (currently scheduled to close on January 26). Two cul-de-sacs will be built at the north and south property lines of the rail corridor. The permanent closure is required by the California Public Utilities Commission to improve safety along the corridor.

Glendora Station Pedestrian Undercrossing
At the site of the future Glendora station, crews continue to make progress building the pedestrian undercrossing that will provide riders access to the station platform from surrounding streets and the future station parking facility. Crews have completed the excavation work and are now constructing the undercrossing foundation and ramp.

Corridor Activities
Throughout the corridor in Glendora, most of the existing freight track has been removed, which will be replaced and relocated to make room for the light rail system. Some of the rail pieces will be reused on the project as guard rails.

The existing freight track has been removed from the San Dimas Wash Channel Bridge. That bridge will soon be demolished and replaced by new bridges for light rail and freight trains. Overall, there will be a total of 19 bridges built or renovated as part of the Glendora to Pomona project segment.

Finally, near the future San Dimas station, crews have begun building street improvements at the intersection of San Dimas Ave./Commercial St. Once work at this intersection is done, they will move on to the intersection of San Dimas Ave./Bonita Ave. Improvements include new curb, gutter, ADA ramps, sidewalks, driveways, traffic signals and right turn lanes.

• January 22, 2021
• (626) 513-5788
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This press release was produced by the La Verne Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed are the author's own.