L.A. Metro OKs environmental review for Airport Connector station

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) board yesterday certified the final environmental impact report for the Airport Metro Connector's 96th Street Station.

The station will be located on the Crenshaw/LAX Line — which is now under construction — to provide a transfer to the future automated people mover system connecting to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) terminals.

"This is a shovel-ready project, funded by Measure M, that can now proceed toward the construction stage," said Metro Chief Executive Officer Phillip Washington in a press release. "In fact, as part of their commitment, the contractors working on the Crenshaw/LAX line are well on their way to delivering accommodations for the future Airport Metro Connector 96th Street Transit Station."

The decision on the 96th Street Station environmental report moves one of the first Measure M-funded projects forward, Metro officials said. Voters last month approved the measure, which will provide $120 billion for various transportation improvements in L.A. County.

The station will have light-rail platforms, a bus plaza, drop-off plaza and bicycle hub. Envisioned as a new "gateway" to LAX airport, the station will be served by the Metro Green and Crenshaw/LAX lines.

Walsh/Shea Corridor Constructors is building the Crenshaw/LAX Line, which is expected to be complete by fall 2019.