LAX/Metro Hub Taking Shape in Westchester
Approximately twelve months since Urbanize last checked in, progress on the $900 million transit hub, aimed at establishing a much-awaited rail connection to LAX, continues in Westchester, CA.
The LAX/Metro Transit Center has been under construction since early 2022. The station spans about 9.5 acres adjacent to the K Line's maintenance and storage facility at 96th Street and Aviation Boulevard. Besides accommodating buses, this ground-level station will eventually serve both the K and C Lines. Commuters from these lines will have the option to transfer to LAX's new automated people mover system, facilitating access to the airport's central terminal area.
The comprehensive project will feature:
A 16-bay bus plaza equipped with charging infrastructure
A multi-level active transportation and bike hub
A designated vehicle drop-off area
A customer service center
Public restroom facilities beyond the fare paid zone
Commercial space
A sculpture by Los Angeles artist Glenn Kaino integrated into the station's hub structure
Designed by Grimshaw Architects, "the [station] will include elegant skylights, swooping canopies, and glazed screens to create a light-weight, spacious environment for travelers," reads a description on Grimshaw's website. "Wide, above-grade concourses will be filled with daylight and connect to the various transit option at multiple levels. The surrounding landscape forms a public space between canopies and accommodates integrated bus service."
The construction of the LAX station, initially scheduled to open in late 2024, has also postponed the launch of the final leg of Metro's K Line. Currently, trains terminate one station north at Westchester/Veterans Station due to the inability to pass through the new LAX stop. However, Metro retains access to the adjacent rail maintenance and storage facility during construction.
Further delays affect the station's counterpart mega-project: the LAX people mover. Recent reports indicate that the 2.25-mile monorail-like system is now projected to commence operations in April 2025, a year later than originally planned.
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