Glendale city officials are working behind-the-scenes to get state, local and federal politicians to back a proposal to close one of the most dangerous railroad crossings in the San Fernando Road corridor and build two bridges over the Los Angeles River and the Verdugo Wash to funnel traffic to neighboring Los Angeles.
Earlier this week, representatives from the offices of Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), Rep. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge), State Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake) and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich attended a private meeting at Glendale City Hall in which Glendale engineers pitched their alternative — the brainchild of Councilman Ara Najarian.
"We realized we're at the point that we need buy-in from all the stakeholders," Najarian said.
Najarian's proposal is also being reviewed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which will be heading any project that impacts the Doran Street railroad crossing. Metro officials have already floated several other alternatives for closing the Doran Street crossing to residents and business owners in Los Angeles and Glendale.