L.A. transit agency issues 'notice to proceed' on Crenshaw/LAX line, reports 'strong' ridership for August

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) on Monday issued a "notice to proceed" on the Crenshaw/LAX light-rail project, which will allow the contractor to begin construction in 2014.

The notice was issued to contractor Walsh/Shea Corridor Constructors, which now can begin the design-build work for the project, including the Hindry and Vernon stations, LACMTA officials said in the notice, which was posted on the agency's website.

The project involves the construction of a new 8.5-mile line in southwest Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, LACMTA posted a strong month for ridership in August. The agency logged 41.2 million boardings on its trains and buses, up from 40.8 million in August 2012 and 39.3 million in August 2011, LACMTA officials said. The Expo rail line posted its best monthly mark for average weekday boardings at 27,280.