Study finds 710 Freeway would be feasible

LOS ANGELES Early plans for the 710 called for it to extend north through South Pasadena, and Pasadena. Residents and businesses opposed that project for decades. They claimed it would ruin neighborhoods, and displace residents.

In the face of that opposition, transportation officials turned to a possible tunnel project to complete the 710 Freeway. The projected tunnel would be 200 feet below ground, and about 50 feet in diameter. They ordered a study to see if it would be feasible to consider such a project.

The Caltrans study looked at five possible directions to link the 710 with other freeways. They include possible tunnels under Northeast L.A., South Pasadena, San Marino and Pasadena, and Alhambra, San Gabriel and Temple City.

The Caltrans study found possible problems with each route, including contamination from pollutants, hazards of naturally occurring gases such as methane, and earthquake faults.

Caltrans will hold public hearings on this draft study of a 710 tunnel project before it is finalized in 2010.