This makes sense. Metrolink can run their 2028 plan and someday starter HSR for decades with just 2 run through tracks. 4 would be nice but not necessary anytime soon.

The story date is 1/10/24. The date on the presentation slide is 1/10/23. Year old presentation? Or more likely sloppy work and poor proofreading?

[la.urbanize.city]

That vision, as with so many other ambitious infrastructure projects across the country, has faced the challenge of a growing budget that exceeds available funding: in June 2023, the price tag of Link Union Station had ballooned to an estimated $1.93 billion, more than double the $950 million Metro had secured for construction.

In the months that have passed, Metro has appears to have adjusted its plans in an effort to move the project forward, per a new presentation unearthed by @numble.

[media.metro.net]

After value engineering, plans how call for a reduction in the number of new-build platforms which would have access to the run-through tracks from seven to four. Those platforms would serve eight different tracks which would converge onto just two tracks crossing the freeway - also a reduction from the original plan which had called for at least four.

Even with value engineering, the project would still be split into phases. The initial wave of construction would focus on Union Station's Platform 3, which would be shortened and modified for the approach to the tracks across the freeway. Plans also call for active transportation improvements such as new sidewalks and bike lanes along Commercial Street on the south side of the freeway, as well as work within a BNSF yard, "quiet zone" improvements at the North Main Street grade crossing, and the addition of a sound wall adjacent to the William Mead Home public housing complex.

Some work on the project is already beginning - specifically, utility relocations along Center and Commercial Streets. That work is ongoing and will continue through Summer 2025, according to the report. Metro currently expects environmental clearances for Link Union Station to be processed in Fall 2024, with final design beginning afterward and continuing through Summer 2026. Early construction could commence for the project by Fall 2025, with heavy construction set to begin by Summer 2026. A completion date for the project is not specified.