The proposal was approved as part of yesterday's municipal elections. Supporters say the extension would ease their commutes and spur the local economy. Opponents claim it could ruin the environment and lead to the destruction of many historic homes.

The extension would fill a 6.2-mile gap between the Foothill (210) Freeway in the north and the San Bernardino (10) Freeway to the south. The gap forces thousands of drivers every day to exit one freeway, maneuver through traffic-clogged streets in Alhambra and jump on the other freeway to get to work in the morning or get back home at night.

The extension was approved by state and Federal lawmakers more than 35 years ago. However, the project has been thwarted by lawsuits and other maneuvers by neighboring South Pasadena since the 1960s.

While supporters say the extension would provide many benefits, opponents say building more freeways isn't a viable solution to the region's transportation problems. They also note that building the extension would require the removal of about 6,000 trees and 900 homes, some of which are historic.

The proposal on yesterday's ballots was essentially an advisory measure to determine whether the majority of Pasadena residents either support or oppose the extension. Though state and Federal regulators will have the final say on whether the extension is built, those same officials have said they would consider the outcome of the vote in making their final decision.