Construction of the Metro Gold Line extension that will include a train station stop at the northwest corner of Citrus College is finally taking shape.
“Students from APU and Citrus said, ‘build it and we will ride it,’ and that’s what I hear all over town,” said Azusa Mayor Joe Rocha.
The Foothill Extension will offer students at Citrus College and Azusa Pacific University an alternative to driving on congested roadways, as well as provide environmental benefits and opportunities for economic development.
Beginning on June 26, 2010, the project is scheduled for com pletion by September 2015, when it will be turned over to Metro for testing and pre-revenue service.
The Gold Line will extend 11.5 miles with stations in Arca- dia, Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, and Irwindale.
The $735 million project is being built by an independent agency, the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority, which is funded by the Measure R sales tax approved by L.A. County voters in 2008.
Work on the Citrus-APU section of the track has begun within the railroad corridor between Citrus and Foothill avenues. The crew has been busy clearing the brush along the rail path and leveling the ground.
Construction activities—including excavation, bridge construction, underground utilities installation and track work—will continue intermittently until approximately the end of June 2013.
The Citrus-APU station will be located to the northwest of the Lutheran church property.
“Our construction has been well received by the community and I think part of the reason is because the [Transit] Authority has been working for years to pave the way for us,” said Dan Kulka, community relations manager for the Foothill Tran- sit Constructors. “People know we’re coming, they are excited about the train.”
Ivan Mercado, physics major at Citrus College, said that the new station would make it easier for him to get to school. “I live in Duarte, and I believe the new sta- tion will take the pressure off of parking on campus. Plus it’s fun to ride the train. You can relax;
talk with other people. It is worth it.”
Michael Hillman, who teaches ceramics at Citrus College, is an accomplished local artist with an extensive resume of public art projects completed in California. He was selected to design concepts for the upcoming Glendora station.
“Glendora Home” oranges were formerly grown and packed in Glendora. Using this bit of history, Hillman has titled his work for the Glendora station as “Glendora Home: A Slice of Sunshine.”
His vision incorporates orange trees, eucalyptus and vine- covered arbors to bring a beautiful aroma complementing the artwork. The station will have a friendly, neighborhood feel.
The Citrus/APU station is scheduled to open in 2016. Interactive maps and detailed in- formation can be found on the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension website along with construction activities, road closures, and detours.
