The California High-Speed Rail Authority has approved a multi-million dollar project management and funding agreement with Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority (LA Metro) to modernise the LA Union Station under the Link Union Station (Link US) project.
The USD 423.3 million funding agreement will be used for the Link Union Station Phase A project covering track work, the installation of signalling and communications systems, utility relocation, property acquisition, the construction of a viaduct, two tracks from Union station platform 4 to mainline tracks and the installation of signalling systems on the new tracks.
“We are excited to partner with Metro to enable future high-speed rail service to Los Angeles Union Station,” Southern California Regional Director LaDonna DiCamillo said.
The Link US project proposes the integration of new crossing tracks on an elevated rail yard to improve operational flexibility and expand capacity at the LA Union Station (LAUS). The project also envisions a new concourse for shorter wait times and a better transfer experience. Link US will also prepare Union Station for the arrival of future high-speed rail service.
The Link US project comprises four main components covering the construction of new tracks, a new passenger concourse, crossing tracks – with up to 10 tracks south of LA Union Station and the Malabar Yard located in the City of Vernon which will allow 2.1-3 km-long trains. It is estimated that up to 11 daily trains will use the yard by 2040.
The rail yard project, the construction of new tracks, platforms and escalators, as well as the improvement of the concourse are part of the second phase of the project, which is not currently funded.
The Union Station is located in central Los Angeles and Metro’s plan for better transit includes improvements at the station and better connections between Metrolink, Metro Rail and bus services. The project is designed to accommodate regional and high-speed rail transport services by allowing the station to function more efficiently and providing a better overall passenger experience.
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