Photo: Non Paratus/FlickrA traffic analysis published by the City of Glendale projects that the "completion" of the I-710 by building a tunnel under South Pasadena would cause an increase of 30,000 vehicles daily on the I-210 north of SR-134. The report was included as part of a packet to Glendale City Council Members with a resolution affirming the town's traditional opposition to the project. In one of the non-surprises of the year, the Council, which includes Metro Board Chair Ara Najarian, voted to oppose the project.
So, how does the state propose to deal with all of these new vehicles, less than 10% of which would be trucks? The report quotes the Draft Traffic Study for the plan that stating:
"Consider additional capacity on 1-210 between SR-134 and SR-2, if the Missing Link is constructed, to preserve the operation conditions on this freeway segment. Construction of the fifth lane in each direction may he considered."
If widening of the I-210 is going to be needed after the completion of the tunnel, Caltrans shouldn't study the environmental impacts of the two road projects separately but together. If the 710 Tunnel is going to necessitate the I-210 widening we shouldn't treat them as separate studies. If the studies are done separately, we're going to hear from Caltrans officials about all of the increased traffic "requiring" a widening of the I-210 and this second project would end up being a foregone conclusion. Thus, the sprawling wheel of highway capacity enhancements would continue to turn.
Glendale joins the towns of La Cañada Flintridge in opposing the project.
