Both Sides Ask Judge to Rule on Freeway Extension

Both sides in the battle over the proposed extension of the Long Beach Freeway asked a judge Tuesday to rule on a preliminary injunction.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson told attorneys for the Federal Highway Administration and South Pasadena that they should try to settle the legal dispute before asking him to rule. His comments came during a tour of the 6.2-mile route through Pasadena, South Pasadena and the Eastside of Los Angeles.

Antonio Rossmann, South Pasadena’s attorney for the freeway mater, said efforts to settle the case were going nowhere, and he drafted a joint memorandum to the judge asking him to adjudicate the case.

South Pasadena and preservationist groups filed suit in August alleging that the highway administration violated environmental laws in approving the project, including those governing historic preservation and air quality. They are seeking an immediate injunction to stop further preparation for the roadway, such as widespread home purchases.

At the next court date, Jan. 7, the judge is expected to rule on whether Alhambra can join the government in defending the suit. Alhambra attorneys claim their city bears the brunt of traffic that would be on the freeway.