TRANSIT: Construction begins on $1.4 billion L.A. Metro connector

Following a groundbeaking ceremony Sept. 30, work is underway on the $1.4 billion Regional Connector Light Rail project in downtown Los Angeles. Upon completion in 2020, the new extension will fill a gap in the existing light-rail system.

The project consists of a 1.9-mile-long connector tunnel and a new station that will act as a hub for the Gold, Blue and Expo lines. From here, riders will be able to go as far north as Azusa and as far south as Long Beach—a distance of approximately 40 miles. By building a central hub, Metro will be able to reduce the number of transfers needed to get to these and other outlying destinations.

Funding for the $1.4 billion effort comes from a mix of federal and local sources—$900 million from Washington and the rest from a half-cent sales tax increase from 2008.

The targeted opening date for the Regional Connector is 2020.