First two segments of Crenshaw/LAX rail line are substantially complete

Written by L.A. Metro, L.A. Metro Communications
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L.A. Metro has released its Fiscal 2023 budget.
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Metro yesterday celebrated the success of its Business Solution Center, Business Interruption Fund and the Eat, Shop, Play construction mitigation programs, all of which have all helped local businesses survive during the prolonged construction period for the 8.5-mile Crenshaw/LAX Line.

The project’s first two construction segments are now substantially complete.

You can watch an archived stream above of the celebration held today at the future Martin Luther King Jr. Station. Photos from today’s event are here.

Construction Mitigation Programs

The agency is officially closing out these successful pilot construction mitigation programs, which offered business resources, funding and promotion in support of small “mom & pop” businesses that were impacted by rail construction between 2014 and 2022.

Metro’s Business Solution Center has provided hands-on business development, support services and referrals to more than 300 small businesses in the Crenshaw and Inglewood communities.

Metro’s Business Interruption Fund has officially awarded more than $20.1 million to over 230 unique small “mom and pop” businesses along the project corridor.

Overall, Metro’s Business Interruption Fund has awarded more than $32.9 million to over 430 unique small businesses for transit rail construction projects, including Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, Regional Connector, and all three sections of the Purple Line Extension Project.

The Metro Board of Directors authorized the agency to designate up to $10 million annually to be used for implementation of the fund. Businesses may file multiple requests for financial assistance through the fund. The amount paid cannot exceed $50,000 per impact year. Both the Business Solution Center and Business Interruption Fund were originally established by Metro’s Board in 2014.

Lastly, Metro’s Eat Shop Play Crenshaw pilot advertising and community engagement program is also concluding.  Metro designed this program to promote and support small businesses impacted by rail construction. More than 150 businesses located along the project corridor partnered with Metro to receive free business marketing assistance. Marketing services included print/digital ads on Metro’s bus and rail system, social media and email marketing.

Substantial Completion

Metro also marked substantial completion for the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project between the C Line (Green) and 48th Street in Inglewood. A third and final section between 48th Street and E Line (Expo) is anticipated to be substantially complete in the coming months.

Metro’s contractor, Walsh-Shea Corridor Constructors, has now completed its intensive 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, among others.

Metro will begin its own a five-to-six-month testing period for the new rail line. It began 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 selected.

Due to ongoing construction of a new Airport Metro Connector Station at Aviation Boulevard/96th Street, the Crenshaw/LAX Line is anticipated to open seven stations, operating between Expo/Crenshaw and Westchester/Veterans stations. A bus bridge will link the Crenshaw/LAX Line at Westchester/Veterans Station to the C Line (Green) at Aviation/LAX Station. The new Aviation/Century Station will not be served by trains until full line operations begin (expected in second half of 2023) once the Airport Metro Connector Station platform structure has been completed. The Airport Metro Connector station is anticipated to be ready for service in the second half of 2024.

About the Crenshaw/LAX Line

The Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project will bring 8.5-miles of new light rail extending service from Metro’s E Line (Expo) at the Expo/Crenshaw Station to Metro’s C Line (Green) at the Aviation/LAX Station. When in operation the new light rail line will have eight new stations serving the Crenshaw, Inglewood, Westchester, and LAX communities. Riders will have easier connections within the Metro Rail system, municipal bus lines, and other regional transportation services.

For more information on the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project go to metro.net/Crenshaw or call the project hotline (213) 922-2736. You also join us on Facebook at @crenshawrail and on Twitter @crenshawrail.

Note to readers and editors: Metro Operators are crucial to keeping LA moving. Metro is currently hiring more than 500 bus operators and is offering a $3,000 bonus for coming aboard. This is a great career opportunity. Metro offers competitive hourly rates starting at $19.12 with benefits that include health insurance, tuition reimbursements, paid training, retirement plan options and flexible working hours. Please encourage friends, family and community members to become a part of the Metro team that provides excellence in service and support and keeps our region moving. Apply at metro.net/driveLA.

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