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Health & Fitness

Patch Blog: 710 Tunnel, Let's Look at the Evidence

What do we already know about surface or tunnel freeways? Plenty, it turns out.

Dear Reader,

When I first read about a tunnel alternative to a 710 surface freeway, I have to admit I was intrigued. The proponents of the tunnel extolled it as a solution to regional traffic problems that would not destroy our historical neighborhoods nor have South Pasadena bisected by yet another freeway. I have since done a lot more research about tunnel freeways and have come to the conclusion that the risk to benefit ratio is too high to make it a feasible option.

I've recently spoken with a number of residents who are not convinced that a tunnel freeway is all that bad, that pollution can't be avoided, and that those opposing a tunnel are being reactionary, closed-minded, and bad regional neighbors. Some are afraid that further legal battles will drain our funds and delay much needed infrastructure repairs.

Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I think we need to start addressing the education gap about freeway tunnels on a regional—if not national—level. The environmental and health impacts on people living close to freeways, above or in tunnels, have been well-studied and well-documented. I think most reasonable people will come to the same conclusion I have upon examining the evidence. Please see attached PDF for summaries and sources of the data. 

This time around, we have more regional allies on the same side of the 710 freeway/tunnel argument. We won't be shouldering the legal burden alone if it comes to that. More and more of our neighboring cities and communities are supporting multimode transportation options such as heavy rail for cargo, light rail for commuters. There are innovative, alternative proposals addressing cargo transport from ports of LB and LA.

Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We have turned the corner in the way we think about transportation. Real solutions do not pit the interests of the freight industry against public health and quality of life. Real solutions are ones that get cars and trucks off the road, not ones that bring more of them to our cities. Real solutions are ones where we think globally and act locally.

Whatever the outcome of this or future elections, we, as global citizens, need to hold our leaders accountable and educate ourselves about initiatives that affect global and local health. Here are links truly worth your time:                      

Yours truly,

Marina Khubesrian

Candidate for City Council

P.S. We have a couple of campaign 'meet and greet' events this weekend. If you want to come by and say hello, give me a call for times and dates, 626-403-2978, or 626-827-9773. And please remember to Vote Tuesday, November 8. 

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