LACMTA breaks ground on Crenshaw/LAX light-rail extension

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx joined Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) officials yesterday at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Crenshaw/LAX light-rail line extension.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program provided a $545.9 million loan for the $2 billion project, which consists of an 8.5-mile light-rail line, eight new stations and three park-and-ride facilities.

"Bringing light rail to this community will spur local economic development and make it easier than ever for residents to access downtown Los Angeles and beyond," Foxx said in a press release.

The project also is expected to receive $130 million in other USDOT and Federal Transit Administration funds. California and local sources will provide the project's remaining funds.

The Crenshaw/LAX light-rail extension will connect existing rail service on the Metro Green Line with the Metro Exposition Line, making it easier for riders to reach downtown Los Angeles, the Westside, South Bay and the cities of Inglewood, Hawthorne and El Segundo, Calif.