Panel Backs First Step on Freeway Extension

Moving from pencil to pavement, the staff of the California Transportation Commission has recommended approval of a crucial first step in the controversial extension of the Long Beach Freeway through South Pasadena.

Despite bitter objections from local officials and South Pasadena residents, transportation officials recommended that the commission earmark $4.8 million in a new master building plan to begin right-of-way acquisition for completion of the heavily traveled roadway between the Foothill Freeway and Valley Boulevard in Alhambra.

Even though the staff recommended--and the commission is expected to approve--this first step toward completing the gap, it is far from becoming reality. Still to be completed is the environmental process and a detailed plan of how and where the roadway will be built, commission officials said.