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The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has begun advance utility relocation work for the $1.4 billion Regional Connector light-rail project in downtown Los Angeles.

On Friday, utility crews began relocating existing underground telecommunication lines on Spring Street near the planned 2nd/Broadway Rail Station. The work will continue through April, LACMTA officials said in a prepared statement.

The project is being partially funded with $160 million in Measure R sales tax dollars approved by voters in 2008. It will enhance Metro Rail service by providing a continuous trip between Azusa and Long Beach, and between the Eastside and Santa Monica, Calif., LACMTA officials said.

The Federal Transit Administration recently permitted the Regional Connector project to advance to the final design phase.