After plans were scuttled this spring on a controversial plan to widen the 710 Freeway, a new task force convened by Metro is seeking input from the public, particularly residents who will be directly impacted by the work.
The virtual meeting is from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday.
The I-710 Corridor Project would add two lanes of truck traffic on either side of the freeway. It was originally intended to improve traffic safety, modernize the freeway design and accommodate growth in traffic and goods movement, especially from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The project area spans from Long Beach to East Los Angeles near the 60 Freeway.
In March, the project was halted when the Environmental Protection Agency issued a letter that the project didn’t meet federal air quality standards. Specifically, the EPA asked transportation officials to perform a particulate matter “hot-spot” analysis. Failing to complete the analysis would put the project in non-compliance with the Clean Air Act.
In response to the EPA’s decision and displacement concerns, the Metro Board in May directed Metro to suspend work on the environmental process and re-engage community members.
The 710 Task Force is charged with leading this process by focusing on equity, specifically engaging local jurisdictions and community-based organizations, along with gathering input from traditional regional transportation and freight stakeholders, according to Metro.
The task force meetings will be open to the public, with an opportunity to make public comments.
Click here to register to attend Monday’s meeting. (The webinar ID is 823 7929 0229, and the passcode is 5851.)
To call in for English, dial 213-338-8477 (Para llamada en español: 646-749-3335. El código de acceso es 773-633-757).
The Metro Board of Directors expects to have a report of feedback and findings from 710 Task Force by April 2022.
LA Metro board opts to pause pursuit of 710 Freeway widening project