April 04, 2019 

City News Service 

Metro officials today showed off the newly completed Southwestern Yard, a $172 million rail maintenance facility that will serve the future Crenshaw/LAX Line and Metro Green Line.

 

The facility was designed and constructed to attain LEED Silver Certification with many “green” features, including pollution reducing construction processes; easy access to public transportation for workers; treatment of stormwater runoff; the use of low-emitting paints, sealants, coatings and materials; energy-saving lighting and air conditioning, according to Metro.

 

“This cutting-edge facility is a great example of Metro’s commitment as an international leader in environmental and sustainable practices. Metro is supporting progressive programs and minimizing the kind of environmental impacts that can result from the planning, construction and operation of one of the largest and fastest growing transportation systems in the country,” county Supervisor and Metro board Chair Sheila Kuehl said. “With all the green features incorporated into the Southwestern Yard, we continue to move in the right direction.”

 

The facility near Los Angeles International Airport was designed and built by Hensel Phelps Herzog under contract with Metro. Design work began in June 2015, construction in May 2016 and work was completed in January on time and on budget, Metro officials said.

 

Light rail vehicles will be maintained and inspected at the 115,000-square-foot facility along with other operations.

 

“We are well on our way to connecting our public transit system to one of the world’s busiest airports,” said county Supervisor and Metro board member Mark Ridley-Thomas. “This gleaming new rail yard is part of the effort to get the Crenshaw/LAX Line up and running, and offering passengers a convenient, not to mention state-of-the-art, way to reach the airport.”

 

The Southwestern Yard is part of the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, the 8.5-mile light rail line slated to open in 2020 that will meet with the Expo Line and connect with the Green Line near the Aviation/LAX Station.

Category: Business