CRENSHAW/LAX TRANSIT CORRIDOR PROJECT: A New Beginning for the Crenshaw Corridor Through Use of Innovative Procurement Strategies

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has embarked upon a major capital expansion program to improve public transit service and mobility in Los Angeles County. As part of this program, the $1.763-billion Crenshaw/LAX Light Rail Project will interline with the Metro Green Line, and provide connections to the Exposition Line and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) along an 8.35-mile alignment. The guideway includes approximately 3.15 miles of underground construction both cut-and-cover and mined methods, 3.6 miles of at-grade and 1.6 miles of aerial construction segments. Six light rail stations are included in the baseline project with two optional stations carried as bid options; one located in the historic Leimert Park area where significant controversy exists with the community’s strong desire for an additional underground station. This paper describes the innovative design-build procurement approach, the funding and political challenges that have defined the project configuration, and outlines the strategy for a significant investment in predominantly African American and Hispanic communities.