L.A. Metro substantially completes two segments of Crenshaw/LAX light-rail project

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) yesterday marked the substantial completion of two construction segments in the Crenshaw/LAX transit corridor project.

Construction has been nearly completed for the project between the C Line (Green) and 48th Street in Inglewood, California. A third and final section between 48th Street and E Line (Expo) is anticipated to be substantially completed in the coming months, L.A. Metro officials said in a press release.

Contractor Walsh-Shea Corridor Constructors has finished system integration testing to validate the proper operation of all equipment and systems, including train control signals, underground station and tunnel ventilation, radio systems, back-up power, fire and smoke alarms, and electricity to trains and stations.

The agency will begin its own a five- to six-month testing period for the new rail line. It started training Metro operations and maintenance staff in preparation for the line’s future public opening in late summer 2022. An exact opening date has not yet been determined.

"Construction of the Crenshaw/LAX line has been a very complex undertaking featuring many unique features that include every type of light-rail elements including underground, at-grade and aerial configurations, all designed to best serve these neighborhoods,” said L.A. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins.

The agency also marked the phasing out of its Business Solution Center, Business Interruption Fund and the Eat, Shop, Play construction mitigation programs, which helped fund local businesses during the prolonged rail construction period for the 8.5-mile project.