Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Howard L. Berman successfully secured $10 million for an MTA project to construct a new entrance to the North Hollywood station.

This will allow Orange and Red Line passengers to transfer directly from one line to the other without having to cross Lankershim Blvd, which can be hazardous for pedestrians.  The funding will be announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on Friday.

MTA estimates that 400 construction-related jobs will be created throughout the duration of the project.  Construction would not affect Orange or Red Line service. 

“This job-creating transit project can now go from the drawing board to reality, while increasing safety for Valley transit riders using the North Hollywood station,” said Berman. “This funding is great news for tens of thousands of MTA riders and I’m pleased the Department of Transportation responded favorably to this request, which alleviates safety concerns while promoting job growth.”  

The $10 million in federal funding is expected to be received by MTA on or before September 30, 2012 and construction on the project will start around March 1, 2013.  MTA will provide approximately $12 million in additional funds to complete the project.

On April 24, Berman and U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) wrote the Department of Transportation requesting funds. The letter appears here.

Background

On average, 24,000 passengers a day cross Lankershim Blvd. to transfer between the Orange and Red Line services.  These numbers are expected to increase to an estimated 30,000 to 32,000 per day with the opening of the Orange Line extension to Canoga Park earlier this summer.  Congressman Berman helped bring subway service to the Valley by working to secure federal funding for the Red Line extension to North Hollywood.  Congressman Berman also strongly backed the creation of the Orange Line and addressed concerns about pedestrian safety in the route’s immediate vicinity.

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