Los Angeles is the most populous city in California, home to over three million residents and not only one of the most recognised cities in the United States but also in the world, thanks to its Hollywood stars and entertainment industry. Despite the city constantly being on the move due to its large scale, there are a number of communities in the city that are not easily connected to the LA the world sees online. However, that is about to change.
The Southeast Gateway Line is a multi-million megaproject that will link Downtown Los Angeles to the city of Artesia to provide an alternative to driving and allow more access to opportunities. The $8.5 billion (approximately £6.5 billion) rail line will mostly follow the historic West Santa Ana Branch, stopping off at other cities in southeastern Los Angeles County.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the line back in October 2024, County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn said: “This region has been left behind on so many levels while other places in L.A. County get those shiny new trains. We will finally make good on the promise we made to Southeast L.A. that you too will have a fantastic public transportation system.”
It followed after the California State Transportation Agency awarded Metro $231 million (£177 million) for construction on the Southeast Gateway Line as part of the $1.3 billion (£1 billion) Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program Cycle.
The project’s main aims are to provide mobility improvements, support local and regional land-use plans and policies, minimise environmental impacts, improve cost-effectiveness and financial feasibility, and promote equity.
After two decades of planning, construction of the 14.5-mile rail line finally kicked off earlier this year. It is expected to be completed in 2035 and provide convenient transit access for the cities of Bell, Bellflower, Cerritos, Cudahy, Downey, Florence-Firestone, Huntington Park, Los Angeles, Paramount, South Gate and Vernon.
Joining Metro to celebrate the start of construction of the Southeast Gateway Line was world-leading professional service firm WSP, which has been involved in the project since 2016 as the lead environmental and design consultant.
Kristin Carlson, AICP, senior vice president of transportation and environmental planning at WSP, said: “This entire corridor is comprised of environmental justice communities, and the project will be transformative for the residents and businesses along the new line.”