Newly opened elevated railroad tracks in Burbank are a key part of a $355 million project to help relieve congestion on Interstate 5 and on city streets.
The tracks put into use this week at Buena Vista Street and San Fernando Boulevard are part of the I-5 Empire Project, which also will create a grade- separation rail crossing at a new Interstate 5 interchange under construction at Empire Avenue, according to Caltrans.
“Moving people, goods and services quickly, safely and efficiently is Caltrans’ goal,” Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty said. “Construction projects like this one are putting people to work, stimulating the economy, delivering significant safety benefits and improving access in Southern California and throughout the state.”
Funded by federal, state and local sources, the project will help relieve congestion on I-5 and city streets; improve traffic circulation; add a carpool lane on I-5 in each direction; realign and widen ramps; and enhance safety by eliminating the street-level rail crossing at Buena Vista Street and San Fernando Boulevard where fatalities have occurred.
“The Empire Project in Burbank is a great example of the growing pains the Los Angeles region is experiencing as we rebuild our rail and highway infrastructure simultaneously,” said Duarte Mayor John Fasana, who is also the chair of the Metro board. “The pain won’t last but the infrastructure being built here will serve generations to come.”
The I-5 Empire Project is funded by the Federal Highway Administration, Caltrans and Metro. The project will add 2.2 miles of carpool lanes between Magnolia Avenue and Buena Vista Street.
— City News Service