Light rail line provides underserved communities with new gateway to jobs, education and healthcare
LOS ANGELES (Oct. 10, 2022) –The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority celebrated the opening of the K Line, on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. The K Line connects one of the most culturally diverse communities in Los Angeles County to the greater Metro Rail network and includes seven new stations located in the communities of West Adams, Jefferson Park, Baldwin Hills, Leimert Park, Hyde Park, Inglewood and Westchester.
As part of the Walsh-Shea Corridor Constructors design-build team, HNTB served as lead designer and principal engineer for the light rail line, previously known as the Crenshaw/LAX Line. The HNTB design and construction team included more than 30 subconsultants, including Arup, and was comprised of a diverse group of businesses that reflected the local community.
“We would like to congratulate Metro and the entire team on the opening of the first phase of the 8.5-mile K Line that now provides accessibility and increased mobility to a historic and important urban community,” said Yoga Chandran, PE, HNTB Los Angeles office leader. “We are proud to work with all our partners, including the community, on this transformative infrastructure project that responds to the transit needs of people along the route and connects them to the larger region seamlessly.”
The completed initial operating segment runs between Expo/Crenshaw Station and Westchester/Veterans Station with a free bus shuttle for passengers connecting to the Metro C Line Aviation/LAX Station. The K Line is expected to offer light rail service to the LAX community and the airport in 2024.
“Metro continues to invest in developing world-class equitable infrastructure for the benefit of all Angelenos,” said Art Hadnett, HNTB senior vice president and regional growth officer. “The K Line offers an option to congested roadways and provides significant environmental benefits, economic development and employment opportunities throughout Los Angeles County as we look ahead to the Summer Olympics in 2028.”
The project includes 1.5 miles of twin-bored tunnels with a 21-foot excavated diameter and three underground cut-and-cover stations under Crenshaw Boulevard. The overall design included all permanent fixed facilities and systems, tunnel structures, cut-and-cover stations, track and special trackwork such as existing line tie-ins, diamond crossings, universal crossovers, pocket track, siding track, single crossovers and yard lead tie-ins.
Metro and the team’s community-oriented design and construction approach was responsive and built with the input of the local community. From supporting small businesses, providing local employment opportunities, and incorporating community-based artwork for each station, the K Line will serve as a model for how future transit projects are built.
HNTB has been nationally recognized and provides innovative transit and rail solutions nationwide and signature projects in Los Angeles dating back to 1914. Projects include the Sepulveda Transit Corridor; the recently completed Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement Project; and the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport.