Later this month, Metro will hold a scoping meeting for a proposed makeover of Union Station's main entrance, heralding the next step in historic rail terminal's transformation.

The project, first announced in 2014, would reconfigure several streets surrounding the station to enhance access for pedestrians and cyclists.  The proposed improvements include:

  • A landscaped pedestrian and bicycle esplanade along the east side of Alameda Street.
  • Sidewalk widening on the west side of Alameda, eliminating one lane of southbound vehicle traffic.
  • Curbside vehicular drop-off zones on the east side of Alameda and other locations.  Partial closure of Los Angeles Street at Alameda and El Pueblo.
  • Reconfiguration of the northern driveway into Union Station off Alameda Street.
  • Conversion of a 60-space parking lot into a civic plaza featuring sutainability components and outdoor seating.
  • Reconfigured entrance to Union Station with an enhanced crosswalk to the El Pueblo Historic Monument.
  • New curbside tour bus parking along the eastern side of Arcadia Street between Alameda and Spring Streets.

Metro has currently identified approximately $12.3 million in funding for the project, and is still searching for additional money.

The project is a predecessor to larger changes at Union Station, which include an ambitious master plan featuring run-through tracks above the US-101 and an expanded passenger concourse.

The scoping meeting will occur on January 26 from 6-8 pm at Union Station's historic ticketing concourse.