LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Construction of the Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station for the Regional Connector Transit Project has reached a milestone, officials announced today, as all the trackwork, guideway systems and station platform areas are complete.
``This is our latest accomplishment as we continue to complete this vital transportation project that will better connect the entire L.A. County region to Metro's rail system," said Metro Board Chair and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. ``We are making great progress in reaching substantial completion and look forward to the Regional Connector's opening later this year."
The 1.9-mile Regional Connector Transit Project will connect the A (Blue) Line, the E (Expo) Line and the L (Gold) Line in downtown L.A. The $1.8 billion project is also creating three new stations, including the Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station, which will connect the A and E lines. Officials say it will improve equitable access to the Broadway Historic Core, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Colburn School, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Broad Museum.
`To get more Angelenos to ride our Metro Rail systems, we need a connected network that gets them where they want to go without unnecessary stops and delays," said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board member Eric Garcetti.
``The Regional Connector is the thread that will tie our network together, and today's announcement brings us another step closer to this new segment that will save riders up to 20 minutes when taking our system through Downtown."
The Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station is about 100 feet below ground, making it Metro's deepest rail station. Crews used more than 33,000 cubic yards of steel and concrete to construct the station, and more than 90,000 cubic yards of soil had to be excavated.
Metro will begin testing trains and systems at the station now that the track and guideway work is complete. Art, elevators and escalators will also be installed.
``The Regional Connector is a game changer for the region and will offer an alternative transportation option to congested roadways, provide significant environmental benefits and spur economic development throughout L.A. County," said Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins. ``Through improved connectivity, riders will be better able to use the entire Metro Rail system, municipal bus lines and other regional transportation services improving their experience."