Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog LA

L.A. Metro to Pedestrianize Front of Union Station, Seeking Input

Union Station Forecourt and Esplanade Improvements will reconfigure space to make the station more pedestrian-oriented.

Metro is planning big changes for Union Station. For the big picture overview, watch this video or read master plan documents. With recent state Active Transportation Program funding secured, the agency is moving forward with upgrades to the front of the station. These initial improvements will make it easier and safer for pedestrians. The pedestrian improvements are part of Metro's Connect US linkages plan.

Last night, Metro kicked off a scoping meeting for environmental studies for the "Union Station Forecourt and Esplanade Improvements" project. Metro is seeking scoping input for its Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Readers can send Metro their scoping comments at CarvajalE[at]metro.net. The scoping comments deadline is January 31.

The planned Union Station improvements will create a 50-foot wide raised crossing at Alameda in front of Union Station. Image via Metro's Connect US plan
The planned Union Station improvements will create a 50-foot wide raised crossing at Alameda in front of Union Station. Image via Metro's Connect US plan
false

For the space in front of Union Station, the project will dramatically reallocate space to give priority given to pedestrians. The parking lots in front of Union Station will give way to a civic plaza with a water feature. The narrow crosswalk across Alameda will be expanded to a 50-foot wide raised crossing. Half of Los Angeles Street will be closed to broaden the pedestrian plaza at El Pueblo. Alameda Street will be reduced from six lanes to four, with space given over to widened sidewalks and a sidewalk-level multi-use bike/walk path along the east side of Alameda. For details and renderings, see the Connect US plan.

Cross-section of planned new Union Station frontage
Cross-section of planned new Union Station frontage
false

Metro expects to complete its environmental studies by this summer, with construction anticipated in 2020.

(Post updated with clearer images. Concept design and drawings by Deborah Murphy Urban Design + Planning with Lyric Design & planning.)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Thursday’s Headlines

Some New Year's Resolutions for biking; Metro has other ideas than a gondola for Dodger Stadium; CA's high-speed rail visionary; More

January 2, 2025

Streetsblog Predictions for 2025

Editor Joe Linton predicts 2025 will see: Metro ridership growth, Destination Crenshaw, Rail2Rail path, new bus lanes, new rail lines, transit groundbreakings, and the first Measure HLA lawsuit

January 2, 2025

Anyone Can Redesign a Street. Here’s How.

Got an internet connection? You can redesign a street — no transportation engineering degree needed.

January 2, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Zoning for Vermicelli

Sara Bronin on her book Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World, and why zoning is an opportunity for people to reshape their communities.

January 2, 2025

CalBike Looks Back at 2024

Some of the best of the year, and some of the worst - plus a blatant self-promotion, and a last request for support.

December 31, 2024
See all posts