MTA approves 710 Fwy. extension mandates

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority voted Thursday to create a community advisory committee for the proposed 710 Freeway tunnel extension while adding to the environmental study process.

The vote builds on a board decision last month to start environmental studies needed to move the controversial project forward.

Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian, who had served as chairman of the MTA for the past year, had tried to push an amendment that would have required officials to first study all available solutions to the traffic congestion — including a tunnel, light rail and freight corridor improvements — and compare the cost benefits, but that effort failed.

The MTA board Thursday approved analyzing route alternatives and their costs while drafting the Environmental Impact Report.

The creation of a community advisory committee, as proposed by county Supervisor Mike Antonovich, was in addition to mandated outreach to elected officials and regular updates from Chief Executive Art Leahy to the Measure R committee.