Metro announced the completion of track work for the $1.8-billion Regional Connector project, which includes constructing the tracks, guideway systems, and station platform areas for the Grand Av/Bunker Hill Station. This gives way to train and systems testing before the time-saving new connector runs, sparing Angelenos around 20 minutes by eliminating transfers for those riding to and through Downtown LA.
- Credit: Metro
This new rail line will provide a seamless journey from Azusa to Long Beach, and from East Los Angeles to Santa Monica, through the DTLA core for an estimated 88,000 commuters. It will connect the A Line (Blue), the E Line (Expo), and the L Line (Gold) in Downtown Los Angeles. There’ll be three new stations—Little Tokyo/Arts District Station at 1st Street/Central Avenue, the Historic Broadway Station at 2nd Street/Broadway, and the Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station at 2nd Place/Hope Street. Five DTLA stations will be shared by the two lines, giving travelers plenty of transfer options along the way.
The 1.9-mile underground light-rail extension means major attractions are more accessible, including the Broadway Historic Core, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Colburn School, MOCA, and the Broad Museum. Although it’s the deepest station in the agency’s rail system, a special float slab tracking system is in place to ensure the community’s performing art spaces are not affected by any vibrations or noise.
- Credit: Metro
Attention is currently being directed towards finishing the station’s plaza concourse and ancillary levels, testing remaining safety systems, completing station artwork, and elevator and escalator installations. The concourse will also be home to an impressive 60-foot glass mosaic mural designed by artist Pearl C. Hsiung titled High Prismatic. Once it’s complete, it will be the tallest glass mosaic mural in the Metros system.
