LA Metro and the city of Burbank agreed to let construction move forward on most of the North Hollywood-to-Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit line. The two sides remain locked in a lawsuit over dedicated bus lanes on Olive Avenue.

The deal, reached in court on Sept. 3, clears the way for Metro to build bus stations, sidewalks, street lighting, traffic signals, landscaping and dedicated median lanes on Glenoaks Boulevard in Burbank. Both sides said they want the undisputed work finished before the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Daily News reported.

What the agreement does not cover: signing, striping and signal plans that would convert one lane in each direction on Olive Avenue between Buena Vista and Lake streets to bus-only. Litigation also covers portions of Alameda Avenue and Buena Vista Street. That is the segment Burbank has refused to permit, and the reason Metro sued the city in May.

In a Sept. 3 press release, Burbank said its position has not changed and the City Council still supports mixed-flow traffic on Olive Avenue. The city added that if Metro finishes other improvements before the dispute is resolved, the Olive Avenue segment will open without dedicated bus lanes.

Metro argues the dedicated lanes are essential. In its lawsuit, the agency said dedicated lanes provide the faster, more reliable service that distinguishes bus rapid transit from regular bus routes and that justified voter funding through Measure M.

In July, a court denied Metro's request for an injunction to override Burbank's stance. Ronald Stamm, an attorney for Metro, told the Daily News a ruling on the merits could take months or longer. "I can't tell you when this will be over," Stamm said. A case management conference that could set a trial date is scheduled for Oct. 5.

The 19-mile BRT line will use zero-emission electric buses with all-door boarding from North Hollywood's B/G Line Station through Burbank, Glendale, Eagle Rock and Pasadena. Voters approved the project through Measure M in 2016 with more than 71% support. The ballot measure dedicated $267 million in local sales tax revenue to the line. Total project funding stands at $429 million, including state Senate Bill One dollars, according to Outlook Newspapers.

Construction started in Pasadena in April, with crews working on Colorado Boulevard, Lake Avenue and Hill Street near Pasadena City College. Stamm said Olive Avenue work is the last step of the project.