LAX Rail Link Project Takes Step Forward

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A project that aims to connect LAX and Metro rail took a step forward Thursday.

The Metro Board of Directors on Thursday approved the final environmental study for the Airport Metro Connector 96th Street Transit Station, which will connect two Metro lines with a people-mover that will drop off travelers at LAX.

The project involves building a new rail station at Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street, just east of the airport. The station will be serviced by Crenshaw/LAX Line trains and Green Line trains, as well as Metro and muni buses, Metro says.

With the environmental study done, the project now moves into the design and procurement phase.

The project is scheduled to receive $347 million from Measure M, the countywide half-cent sales tax measure that passed last month. It is also scheduled to receive $234 million from Measure R, the state and other sources.

The project could break ground as soon as 2018, Metro says, and could be completed from 2021-2023.

Los Angeles World Airports says it is trying to complete construction of the people mover by 2023, with an eye towards a possible 2024 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.