Monorail Could Solve 405 Freeway Gridlock, Mayor Says

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti Tuesday floated the idea of building a monorail over the San Diego (405) Freeway connecting the San Fernando Valley with the Westside.

A Monorail, Garcetti told KNX, is feasible whereas a train is not due to the steep slope of the Sepulveda Pass.

A monorail runs on a single guideway as opposed to a train that runs on tracks. According to Garcetti, if a monorail can be built earthquake proof and affordably, it might be the right option for Los Angeles. The city is in the early stages of exploring options for connecting the Valley and the Westside, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Garcetti suggested a fact-finding mission to China, where authorities have turned to electric monorails as a solution to traffic gridlock.

“With a small footprint, with electric motors, safety for both earthquakes and access, it could be on the table,” Garcetti told KNX Tuesday. “So we will try and take an expedition over there to China and check it out.”

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK IN THE COMMENTS: Would a monorail above the 405 Freeway help relieve some of the traffic congestion plaguing one of the world's most heavily traveled freeways?

The project would be funded by Measure M, the half-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in November. It is expected to generate $120 billion over the first 40 years.

• the Airport Metro Connector at Los Angeles International Airport;
• extending light rail lines throughout the county;
• adding rapid transit bus lines, including along the Vermont Corridor and Lincoln Boulevard;
• widening the Golden State (5), Santa Ana (5) and San Diego (405) freeways and widening or adding HOV lanes to many others;
• street repairs;
• a downtown streetcar project;
• new bike paths and lanes

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