FTA approves LA Crenshaw Blvd. LRT
Written by Douglas John BowenThe Federal Transit Administration has issued its final approval Los Angeles’ plan for a $1.72 billion light rail transit line along Crenshaw Boulevard, running from the Green Line near Los Angeles International Airport to the Expo Line.
But the new line still will fall short of Los Angeles International Airport by roughly one-eighth of a mile. FTA’s Record of Decision gives the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority clearance to acquire property, purchase rail cars, and move utilities to build LRT. The line in general has received support from local communities it would serve. The 8.5-mile Crenshaw/LAX line will be the first to connect a major population center of South Los Angeles to the rest of the city’s rail network. The line in part will act as a rail transit bridge by connecting with the Expo Line on its northern end and the Green Line on its southern terminus, serving passengers near Leimert Park, in Inglewood, Hawthorne and El Segundo.
Still undetermined is a potential underground stop at Leimert Park Village in South Los Angeles. Last May, LACMTA’s Board of Directors declined to require the station, citing a lack of funding.
LACMTA already has issued a request for qualifications from companies that can engineer, design, and build the line.
