Don't expect new roads or rails to start spreading across Los Angeles County now that Measure R has passed; transportation officials say the first projects on a long list are still several years from opening.

Early work is likely to include an extension of the Expo Line from Culver City to Santa Monica, an extension of the Gold Line from Pasadena to Azusa and placement of a busway or light-rail line along Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles, planners say.

But approval of a half-cent sales tax delivered a more immediate victory to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who came into office more than three years ago pledging to finally start the city's so-called Subway to the Sea. Now, money to begin such a subterranean route -- probably along the Wilshire corridor -- is assured by the Measure R plan.

"The commuters of L.A. were fed up with traffic and gas prices, and they responded by making an historic investment that will change the face of transportation in the region forever," Villaraigosa said.

Read more on the Bottleneck Blog here.

-- Steve Hymon