1984:  The Urban Mass Transit Administration (UMTA) ranks Metro Rail as “the most cost effective new rail system in the nation.”

1999:  The California Transportation Commission approves a three-party Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Pasadena Metro Blue Line Construction Authority — a significant step toward the start of construction of the light-rail line to Pasadena.

The vote clears the way for the Construction Authority to continue project development and pursue state funding already committed to the project. 

The LACMTA Board voted to transfer an initial $10 million to the Construction Authority, with another $58.7 million that followed in October, 1999. 

The state had some $278 million available for the construction project.

2002:  The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority joins elected officials to officially open a new 101 Freeway overpass adjacent to the Metro Red Line subway station and Metro Rapid Bus stop at Universal City.

Construction began in December, 1999.

The $34.6 million, six-lane bridge spans the 101 Freeway to link Ventura Boulevard with the Universal City Metro Red Line station via a new access street now known as Campo de Cahuenga Way.

The overpass also features a pedestrian walkway, on-and-off-ramps from the 101 freeway, a Universal City Station Bus Plaza, 790 additonal parking spaces and the widening of nearby Lankershim Boulevard.