The Gold Line extension project, which stretches from Glendora to Pomona, has reached its final trial phase. Staff members can be seen conducting maintenance tests, reflecting the progress made in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
According to the latest report from the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, the eastern extension of the Gold Line, which includes the segment from Glendora to Pomona, is over 90% complete as of late October. The project is on track to be fully finished by the first week of 2025.
As the team conducts final test runs, the construction of four stations—Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona—along with associated facilities, is moving into the final stages. This includes artistic decorations for the stations and the installation of safety warning systems for passengers on the platforms.
The extension, which spans 9.1 miles across four cities, has begun test runs, primarily conducted at night, though there may be some intermittent testing during the day. Given that the light rail line passes through densely populated communities and commercial areas, officials have urged the public and motorists to be particularly cautious during testing to prevent accidents.
Initiated in spring 2020 with a total investment of $2.1 billion, the Gold Line’s eastern extension will cover two phases: from Glendora to Pomona and Pomona to Montclair, totaling 12.3 miles. The project involves the construction and renovation of 24 highway bridges and the addition of 26 ground-level interchanges, making it the fourth largest construction project in Los Angeles County. Each of the six new stations has its own distinctive design.
The Glendora station, the first stop on the extension, is located at the intersection of Vermont Avenue and W. Glendora Avenue. Its design is themed around the local orange imagery, with specially crafted tiles featuring oranges, bougainvillea, water waves, and mountain scenes. The striking red and green columns form the station’s entrance, providing a vibrant and decorative touch. Once operational, it will only take 22 minutes to travel from Glendora to Pasadena and 51 minutes to Los Angeles Union Station.
San Dimas station, situated near San Dimas Avenue and Arrow Highway, draws on the theme of “Sense of Place,” complemented by a public art installation known as “Walking Sticks,” which highlights the city’s parks and natural environment. The ride from San Dimas to Pasadena will take about 27 minutes, while commuting to Los Angeles Union Station will take 56 minutes.
La Verne station, located at the intersection of N. Arrow Highway and E. E Street, incorporates images of orange trees and water patterns, giving it a unique look reminiscent of multiple variations of the Eiffel Tower surrounding the station. Travel time to Pasadena from La Verne will be around 31 minutes and to Los Angeles Union Station, about 60 minutes.
The Pomona station, which will feature the most tracks of any station in the extension, will showcase motivational phrases collected from the public embedded in the stairs, fostering a community atmosphere. The completed station will boast 4 to 5 tracks running throughout Pomona, with a travel time of 33 minutes to Pasadena and 62 minutes to Los Angeles Union Station.
Claremont station, located at East Indian Hill and West University Avenue, will be almost in the same spot as the current train station and is marked by a three-dimensional pillar spelling out “Claremont” in numerous languages. Distinctively crafted tiles showcasing themes from science to literature will be scattered throughout the station. The last stop in the extension, Montclair station, will provide 1,600 parking spaces.
Once completed, the extended Gold Line will run more than 200 light rail services daily, carrying between 400 to 600 passengers per service.
