We're In Motion!
Train Testing has begun along the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project!
This marks a huge milestone for Los Angeles Metro and the project contractor, Walsh-Shea Corridor Constructors (WSCC). For the first time since construction began in 2014, trains have started traveling at operation-speeds reaching 55 mph while fully powered by the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) power lines. The project first started signal and systems testing in September 2019, testing a train merging from the Aviation/LAX Station of Metro’s Green Line onto the Crenshaw/LAX project tracks. Click Here: See the September testing! The very first testing operation reaching 55 mph took place over two days, October 30th and 31st. The train testing operation powered a Kinkisharyo P3010, an articulated light rail car, through an approximately 1.4-mile segment from the Southwestern Maintenance Yard to just north of I-105 Freeway. Click Here: See the October testing!
The Operation: Reach 55 Miles Per Hour
Operation Day One
During the first day of the operation, Metro and WSCC performed “Train Clearance Testing”. This testing period maintained speeds under 10 mph with a 2 mph standard. The train was strapped with foam shells on its sides to carefully supervise the clearance of the train as it went through tight-fitting spaces, particularly at the Aviation/Century Station platform and in the underground segment adjacent to LAX runways. The foam allowed staff to see that the train had sufficient clearance space as it passed those segments without coming into contact with light fixtures or any other equipment.
Operation Day Two
During the second day of the operation, the team Performed “Speed Runs”. First, testing the train on the southbound tracks at 5 mph along the full 1.4-mile segment. Then, performing speed runs back and forth increasing the speed, in increments of 5 mph each time, until reaching 55 mph. Two train operators set at each end switched off operating the train northbound and southbound. Staff teams at each end of the train ensured a safe execution of the speed runs. An additional team was situated inside of the train and monitored the performance of the pantograph, the “arm” mounted on the roof of the train to collect power through the overhead tension wires, and monitor the OCS power wires performance while powering a train in operation at various speeds for the first time.
The Faces of The Movement
The two days were successful and could not have been executed without the diligent focus and skills from a combined group of LA Metro and Walsh-Shea Corridor Constructors staff, over 20 individuals from varying trades and with skills ensured a safe and successful operation from beginning to end. Highlighted below are the two operators that operated the train during speed runs on day two.
Cora “CoCo” Lewis, has been with LA Metro for over 30 years. Having started at the age of 21, Cora operated Metro Buses for about 10 years before becoming a train operator. She celebrated her birthday on the second day of the operation, Thursday, October 31st, operating the very first train along the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project tracks to reach 55 mph. Click Here: See more of Cora and other female trailblazers are Metro!
Ramtin Gholigadeh, the second exceptional train operator to usher this successful event for the project has been with LA Metro for over 33 years. Ramtin started his career with LA Metro in the late 1980s and began as a train operator with Metro’s Blue Line in 1993, shortly after it opened the summer of 1990. He is glad to see the much needed Blue Line renovations take place over the past several months. Click Here: See more about the New Blue now A Line!
The Crenshaw/LAX Project is one of twelve transit projects funded by Measure R, the half-cent sales tax approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2008. The project began construction in 2014 and anticipates completion in 2020.
Business Solution Center
Metro Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project Business Solution Center (BSC) provides resources, programs, and support to the small businesses along the Crenshaw/LAX transit corridor. For more information on BSC services, please visit metrobsc.net/crenshaw .
Business Interruption Fund
