Fullerton Moves Forward With Parking Plans

Oct. 28, 2009

New parking structure will accommodate future demand at train station

ORANGE – A new parking structure is coming to the Fullerton Transportation Center that will accommodate current and future growth of rail passengers in the area.

Recently, the Fullerton City Council approved plans to move forward with construction of a three-story parking structure on the corner of Harbor Boulevard and Santa Fe Avenue.

The structure will accommodate approximately 800 parking spaces in addition to the 510 currently available at the transit center, on five levels, including one level under ground. It will feature a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard to provide direct access to the platforms, an open design to promote safety and aesthetic elements to integrate with the existing development.

Construction is anticipated to begin in March using the design-build method and be open to the public in late 2011.

“Fullerton has a thriving downtown area, and with current and future development in the nearby area, it is a prime location for people to live, work and play,” said Chris Norby, OCTA board member and Fourth District supervisor. “This new parking structure will provide the added parking necessary to accommodate future demand at the station.”

Improvements are being made in anticipation for the increase in rail service in the county. Beginning next year, Metrolink service will run more frequently between Fullerton and Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, making rail travel more convenient for thousands of riders.

Fullerton currently has the highest average daily boarding for Metrolink with nearly  1,500 passengers using the station each day.

The $42 million project is funded with $14 million from Measure M, the half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, Proposition 116 and additional state and local money.

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