In its proposal for improvements to Interstate 710 in Los Angeles County between Ocean Boulevard and State Route 60, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is looking at a provision of a separate four-lane freight corridor to be used by conventional or zero-emission trucks.


The goal of the freeway-widening project is to reduce diesel emissions, including ozone and ultrafine particulates, in the low-income neighborhoods that line the freeway, reports the Los Angeles Wave.

Other major elements addressed in the Draft EIR/EIS include widening the I-710 freeway up to 10 general purpose lanes (five lanes in each direction); modernizing and reconfiguring the I-405, SR-91 and a portion of the I-5 interchanges with the I-710; and modernizing and reconfiguring most local arterial interchanges along the I-710. Currently, a draft of the environmental impact report is available for a 60-day public review.

A series of public hearings will take place in August to update the public on the Draft EIR/EIS and the potential effects this project may have on the environment. Those hearing dates are:

Aug. 7, 2012 (6 - 9 p.m.) - Progress Park, 15500 Downey Ave., Paramount, Calif.
Aug. 8, 2012, (6 - 9 p.m.) - Silverado Park Community Center, 1545 W. 31st Street, Long Beach, Calif.
Aug. 9, 2012 (4 - 8 p.m.) - Rosewood Park, 5600 Harbor Street, Commerce, Calif.

The Draft EIR/EIS can be viewed online here.