Metrolink officials and community members celebrated the completion of the modernization of the Van Nuys train station Thursday, which moved and rebuilt the train platform to serve both Metrolink and Amtrak services.
The $32 million project moved the platform to the center of the double-tracked station to improve operational efficiency, maintain on-time performance and enable more future train service, Metrolink officials said.
“The newly reconstructed Van Nuys Station allows both tracks to be used simultaneously, increasing capacity and provides safe access to the platform from a pedestrian underpass, keeping trains and passengers separated,” Metrolink Board Chair Brian Humphrey said.
Train service continued at the station throughout the reconstruction with the use of a temporary platform, Metrolink officials said.
“The reconstructed Van Nuys Station will be a lynchpin of future transportation infrastructure, including the planned East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Line that will connect Van Nuys with the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station,” Metrolink Vice Chair and Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian said.
Caltrans provided funding for the reconstruction project from a Proposition 1B grant of $31.1 million. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority contributed $1 million, with $800,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and $200,000 in Measure R funds.
“For far too long, the conversation involving regional public transportation has excluded the San Fernando Valley, but high-quality public transit stations like the Van Nuys Station can do so much for our region, generating significant economic and environmental benefits and allowing our residents to access all sorts of opportunities that our community has to offer,” said California State Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, whose district includes Van Nuys.
The theme of the Van Nuys Station honors the former General Motors assembly plant, which from 1947-1992 produced cars on a nearby property.
“It’s appropriate to look back to the industries that helped the Valley grow and prosper in the past,” Los Angeles City Councilman and Metrolink Board Member Paul Krekorian said. “Looking forward, our future is linked to Metrolink service and the light rail line that is planned to connect here. This modernized station represents an alternative to driving to help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.”
Metrolink officials said they are still working on an 8,000-square-foot concrete canvas that will be accompanied with a mural that depicts the diversity and features of Van Nuys.