The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) has selected a design firm for two massive transportation projects that will enhance multimodal transit accessibility and build infrastructure preparing the city for a future light rail transit line. Expected to approximately cost up to a combined $2.1 billion, construction dates will be announced further into the design process.
The Link Union Station project makes up the lion’s share of the combined cost, with the most recent official estimates pinning it at $1.6 billion. Though, the initiative’s overall cost is subject to change as designs are solidified. The authority plans to restructure the existing Link Union Station to better serve commuter and intercity rail operations by expanding train capacity and improving transit efficiency.
Divided into two phases, Phase A will target building a run-through structure over the adjacent freeway to connect the station’s stub end with the mainline tracks along the LA River’s West Bank. Once completed, the structure will be able to accommodate up to nine run-through tracks.
Phase B will build an elevated rail yard with four operating platforms, up to nine run-through tracks and a passenger tunnel. Trains will be able to enter and exit from both ends of the station once the upgrades are completed, significantly reducing congestion and improving overall functional efficiency.
The design firm will also be responsible for the Southeast Gateway Line Enabling project – a more than $500 million effort to pave the way for the future $7.1 billion Southeast Gateway Line Program. The enabling project will relocate and install heavy freight rail lines and conflicting utilities. Additional work will cover building a light-rail bridge, a freight bridge, a pedestrian bridge over the freeway and an LA Metro station.
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