Metrolink proposals target pedestrian safety at downtown Burbank station
With pedestrians continuing to flout crossing signals at the downtown Burbank train station, Metrolink has outlined three options for improving safety that range in cost from $3 million to $7 million.
Pedestrians currently are asked to wait until a train departs the station before crossing, but many cross behind stopped northbound trains — a practice that is illegal and dangerous.
The downtown Burbank station is Metrolink’s second-busiest “destination” station, behind Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.
The priciest of the three safety options would involve eliminating the surface-level pedestrian crossing and installing a pedestrian underpass at a cost of $7 million.
Another option is adding a second elevator, on the west side of the tracks, which would cost about $3 million, according to Metrolink. Burbank Transportation Commission Chairman Paul Dyson said the addition probably wouldn’t improve safety.
Commuters who need to catch connecting buses on either side of the track need to cross horizontally. For a commuter to ride one elevator up to the Olive Avenue overpass, and then take a second elevator down to the other side, would take too long, Dyson said.
The last option involves rewiring the warning system, which includes flashing lights and a loud bell, along with other “pedestrian treatments.” That would cost about $4.6 million.
Dyson noted that from 6:45 a.m. to about 7 a.m., commuters only have approximately 45 seconds to cross legally.
City officials will review the options further before issuing a recommendation.
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