WILSHIRE : Open House Set on Subway Alternatives

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will hold an open house concerning Segment 3 of the Metro Red Line on Tuesday afternoon at Burroughs Middle School.

The subway line is proposed to run west along Wilshire Boulevard from Western Avenue to Crenshaw Boulevard, then south along Crenshaw to Pico Boulevard, ending at Pico and San Vicente Boulevard.

The main concern to be discussed at the meeting is the presence of poisonous hydrogen sulfide gas, which saturates the San Pedro Formation, a deep layer of sandy soil lying under much of the zone intended for subway construction.

In an effort to minimize hazards to work crews and future passengers, MTA officials have devised alternative construction plans, which will be discussed with participants.

One plan is to go ahead and construct the subway with single-level underground stations along the planned route, only shallower than originally designed. The tunnels would be made using a combination of boring and a digging technique known as “cut and cover,” which would require the relocation of major utilities including sewers and storm drains.

Another option is to construct the tunnels as described, but with aboveground stations, which would require significant real estate acquisition.

Both construction alternatives are being examined by the MTA in an environmental impact report.

At the meeting, information tables will be set up where the public can meet with MTA staff to ask questions and offer comments about the subway plan. Language interpreters will be available.

The meeting is scheduled from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the school, 600 S. McCadden Place. Information: (213) 244-6891 or (213) 244-6503.