Nearly one year after we last dropped by, the $900-million transit hub which will provide the long-sought rail link to LAX continues to take shape in Westchester.

View looking west from Aviation BoulevardUrbanize LA

The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, under construction since early 2022, spans across a roughly 9.5-acre site next to the K Line's maintenance and storage facility at 96th Street and Aviation Boulevard. In addition to serving buses, the at-grade stop will eventually be served by both the K and C Lines. Passengers from those services would have the ability to transfer to LAX's new automated people mover system, which would take them to the airport's central terminal area.

The full project will include:

  • a 16-bay bus plaza with capacity for charging infrastructure;
  • a multi-level active transportation and bike hub;
  • a vehicle drop-off zone;
  • a customer service center;
  • public toilet facilities beyond the fare paid zone;
  • commercial space; and
  • a sculpture by Los Angeles artist Glenn Kaino, which will be incorporated into the station's hub structure.

Grimshaw Architects is designing the station, which emphasizes natural light.

View looking west from Aviation BoulevardUrbanize LA

"The [station] will include elegant skylights, swooping canopies, and glazed screens to create a light-weight, spacious environment for travelers," reads a narrative from the firm'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."

Construction of the LAX station, most recently slated to debut later in 2024, has also delayed the opening of the final leg of Metro's K Line, which currently terminates one stop north at Westchester/Veterans Station. Trains are currently unable to pass through the new LAX stop to reach additional K Line stations to the south, although Metro has maintained access to the adjacent rail maintenance and storage facility during construction.

View looking southwest from Aviation BoulevardUrbanize LA

Also facing delays is the station's complementary mega-project: the LAX people mover. Recent reports indicate that the 2.25-mile monorail-like system is now expected to open in April 2025, one year later than previously anticipated.

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