Gold Line Foothill Extension (Los Angeles Metro)

Gold Line Foothill Extension
Map of the Gold Line, with the Foothill Extension along the top. (Correct spelling within the map is "Claremont.")
Overview
Type	Light rail
System	Los Angeles County Metro Rail
Status	Partially complete
Locale	Los Angeles, Pasadena, Azusa
Termini	Sierra Madre Villa APU/Citrus College (Phase 2A) Montclair (Phase 2B)
Operation
Opened	March 5, 2016 (Phase 2A)
Operator(s)	Metro (LACMTA)
Technical
Line length	11.5 mi (18.5 km) (Phase 2A)
Track gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)

The Foothill Gold Line Extension (also known as the Gold Line Foothill Extension) is an extension of the Metro Gold Line light rail corridor from its former terminus in Pasadena, California, east through the "Foothill Cities" of Los Angeles County into San Bernardino County. The plan is being implemented as two separate mass-transit projects, known as Phase 2A (Pasadena to Azusa) and Phase 2B (Azusa to Montclair). Phase 2A was completed, while Phase 2B is in the engineering stages and is currently not funded through construction. The corridor extension will be a part of the Los Angeles County Metro Rail System, and, when completed, will be served by the Metro Gold Line. The Foothill Gold Line is being planned and implemented by the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority.

In addition to enhancing mobility in one of the most congested metropolitan areas in the United States, the 23.9-mile project (38.5 km) is seen as an economic catalyst for the region, generating 6,900 jobs during the construction phase and creating infill and transit-oriented development opportunities.

The entire 23.9-mile (38.5 km) route (Phase 2A and 2B) of the Foothill Gold Line follows the roadbed of the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway's Second Division through the Foothill Cities. These cities are located in the foothills south of the San Gabriel Mountains, in the northern San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Beginning at the existing Metro Gold Line station in East Pasadena, the route extends roughly east from there, ending in Montclair. The route parallels several major roads and highways, such as I-210 (Foothill Freeway), Huntington Drive, and Foothill Boulevard.