California commission gives green light to Expo Line crossings

The California Public Utilities Commission last week re-affirmed a state resolution that authorizes the Exposition Construction Authority to build 16 at-grade and 11 grade-separated rail crossings as part of Phase 2 of the Los Angeles area's Expo Line project.

The commission's decision allows construction to continue on the $1.5 billion, 6.6-mile project, Expo authority officials said in a press release. Construction is under way along the entire alignment, with bridge and station work "progressing quickly," they said. Track work is slated to begin soon.

Service began on the Expo Line's first phase in spring 2012. The line now serves nearly 27,000 daily riders. Construction on Phase 2 is expected to be completed in late 2015. The line will connect west Los Angeles to the region's existing rail network, and will be operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.