Improvements Cited in Approval of 710 Extension

The U.S. secretary of transportation said he approved the Long Beach Freeway extension because changes in the project have reduced its impacts on Pasadena, South Pasadena and the Eastside.

In a letter sent Friday to Cathryn Buford Slater, chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Secretary Rodney Slater cited a series of improvements since 1992, including a plan to run the freeway below street level through El Sereno. The six-mile extension would connect the Foothill and San Bernardino freeways.

Slater, who gave the go-ahead to the project April 14, said there will be further review when the design is completed and the department will establish design advisory groups.

Buford Slater had written President Clinton last month recommending the project be rejected or another environmental review of it be completed. But Clinton said it was Slater’s decision.