California’s Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority (Construction Authority) released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension light rail extension from Azusa to Montclair. The environmental review evaluates the impacts of the proposed 12.3-mile light rail extension, which includes six new stations and two new grade-separated crossings.

The proposed extension is planned to run mostly at street level and parking is planned at each station.

“This is an important next step in our effort to extend light rail deeper into the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys,” said Doug Tessitor, chairman of the Construction Authority board of directors. “We encourage the public to review the draft document and provide comments before the October 5 close of the comment period.”

The Construction Authority will hold public meetings to discuss the Draft EIR, which is also available for review on the authority’s website. 

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension is a 24-mile extension of the Metro Gold Line light rail system, being overseen by the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority. The project is planned in two segments — Pasadena to Azusa and Azusa to Montclair.

The Pasadena to Azusa segment is fully funded by Los Angeles County’s Measure R and is on schedule to be completed in late 2015. The Azusa to Montclair segment is still in the planning stages and is not funded. The segment is undergoing environmental review and must be environmentally cleared before it is ready for final design and construction.