By Jason KUROSU

The Environmental Impact Report for the SR-710 study has been delayed because of issues with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) regional travel demand computer model software used to analyze the different alternatives for the 710 extension. Metro announced the delay last week, saying that more time was necessary to complete technical studies. The regional travel demand model predicts future traffic patterns, taking population growth, employment, land use and other factors into account while calculating potential traffic.

Currently, five alternatives are being explored for the 710   extension: Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit, Transportation System Management/Transportation Demand Management, a freeway tunnel, and a No Build option.

Meanwhile, a five-city alliance is attempting to hire outside consultants to review portions of the study. The alliance includes the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Glendale, Pasadena, South Pasadena and Sierra Madre. The cities have pooled resources with each contributing $50,000 towards the hiring of consultants who will study many of the safety aspects of the EIR, particularly those involving the tunnel alternative.

Crescenta Valley Town Council President Robbyn Battles showed support for the five-city alliance.

“I would say that the CV council supports the cities’ efforts to pool their resources to independently hire various consultants and share information with each other,” said Battles. “As an unincorporated area, we do not have the matching funds to join their efforts. However, we unequivocally support them in every effort we can and hope they will share their findings as they move forward.”

Metro has yet to announce when they anticipate the draft EIR will be released.

  Jason Kurosu