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June 28: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

  • Written by Kenn Bicknell

1960:  An “ultramodern” eight-lane divided freeway opens through the “Grapevine” Canyon between Los Angeles and Bakersfield.

The two-year project replaces a four-lane highway with concrete parabolic divider as part of the most expensive and complex project in Division VI history.

A continuous 6% upgrade and almost continuous curves with superelevations between 4% and 8% created conditions far from ideal for concrete paving operations.

A project overview, including details of its engineering requirements along with numerous photographs, can be found in the September-October 1960 issue of California Highways.
 
 
1984:  A work stabilization accord designed to prevent disruptions from labor disputes during Metro rail construction is reached between the Southern California Rapid Transit District and the Los Angeles County Building and Construction Trades Council AFL-CIO.

The agreement is modeled on one that Baltimore Transit used successfully in controlling costs of the Baltimore Metro Project.

SCRTD Board President Nick Patsaouras notes that:

“This is the first time the Council and its affiliated Unions have signed such a pact with a local public agency and it is a significant positive development in RTD’s efforts to secure federal construction funding for the 18-mile subway system.”

SCRTD General Manager adds that:

“This work stabilization agreement is a keystone for the proposed $3.3 billion Metro Rail project. Construction delays because of labor disputes could cost nearly $1 million a day because of inflation and other costs.”

More information can be found in the September, 1984 issue of Headway, the Southern California Rapid Transit District employee news magazine.

  • Last Updated June 3, 2024

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