Preservation Officials to Tour Freeway Route

Representatives of an independent federal agency that protects the country’s historic resources will tour the route of the Long Beach Freeway extension next month before deciding whether it wants to challenge federal approval of the project.

On Friday the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation will send four of its members to tour the route of the proposed $1.4-billion freeway that would cut through Pasadena, South Pasadena and El Sereno, officials said.

In addition to a tour, representatives will hold an invitation-only hearing at Pasadena City Hall.

The U.S. Transportation Department has given preliminary approval to the project. The agency cannot formally sign off on the roadway until the advisory council has reviewed the matter.

The preservation council will vote March 13 on whether to refer the project to the President’s Council on Environment Quality to review the dispute and act as a mediator. Opponents are hoping such a referral will stall the project, while supporters say they expect the presidential body to side with them on the project because the Clinton administration has publicly backed it.