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Multi-modal infrastructure investment builds on impact of Metro K Line; provides first/last mile solution while improving quality of life, connectivity as well as public health
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) hosted a “rolling dedication” and community fair this morning to celebrate the grand opening of the Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor, a 5.5-mile multi-modal path and public green space in Inglewood and South L.A. The path, a first-of-its-kind project for Metro, removed unused and blighted railroad tracks to connect the communities serviced by the Metro K Line Fairview Heights Station, the Metro J Line Slauson Station and the Metro A Line Slauson Station via biking and walking paths.
Approved by voters with the passage of Measure M and Measure R, this $166-million investment represents a significant improvement to the communities in and around South L.A. while positively impacting quality of life and public health. It is the seventh of twenty-eight projects Metro will complete by the ‘28 Olympic and Paralympic Games (28 X ‘28), the Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor will serve the communities near the Intuit Dome and SoFi Stadium, two key venues for the Games.
“This project has been in the works for decades, and it’s all about making it safer for people who bike, walk, or roll,” said Janice Hahn, L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair. “It’s a big step forward in connecting communities—especially with its link to the Rail to River Segment B— which will eventually create a path to the LA River.”
The Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor improves community connectivity and encourages active transportation, which can help reduce transportation costs, support the local economy, enhance quality of life, promote public health and decrease greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. Beginning at the intersection of 67th Street and 11th Avenue near the Fairview Heights Metro K Line Station, the path moves east to its current terminus at Slauson Station on the Metro A Line. A total of 17 Metro bus lines, three DASH bus lines and five Metro Bike Share stations provide service along the alignment. It offers rest areas with benches and new shade trees and is located within walking distance of several neighborhood schools, parks and other community amenities.
The project includes improvements that help protect the safety of cyclists and pedestrians moving along and across the Slauson corridor.
“It is encouraging to witness the transformation of a historically underinvested corridor into a beautiful community asset,” said LA County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Holly J. Mitchell. “We will continue to work to improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents, and projects like this that improve mobility, foster connection, encourage more active lifestyle. Improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists are exceptional opportunities to invest in our communities.”
Construction of the project included planting 472 new trees, all indigenous species, which will improve air quality, increase the tree canopy and reduce heat absorption. New sustainable landscaping features, such as a new bio-swale, bioretention planters and bio-infiltration planters, manage stormwater and filter pollutants.
Metro is piloting the deployment of community interventional specialists (CIS) along the alignment between 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CIS provide a friendly and familiar presence on the path and are specifically trained to diffuse and de-escalate issues. Core to the CIS program concept is a local hire initiative, resulting in the positions being filled by members of the community personally invested in its success.
A total of 52 security cameras are strategically placed along the alignment and continuously monitored at the Metro Security Operation Center. Additionally, there are nine emergency telephones installed along the alignment.
“The first and last mile of people’s journeys can make or break their transit experience,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of LA Metro. “I’m so excited to open this project, which connects to two rail lines and 17 local and municipal bus lines, and it’s an important part of our transportation network for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I hope Rail to Rail will be well used and well loved by the community and all the people we serve.”
Phase two of the project, currently referred to as Rail to River Active Transportation Corridor, will extend the path from the A Line Slauson Station approximately four miles east along Randolph Street through the cities of Bell, Maywood, Huntington Park and the unincorporated Florence Firestone community, terminating at the Los Angeles River. It is expected to open in 2027.
To learn more about Rail to River Active Transportation Corridor, please visit www.metro.net/projects/r2rb/.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries 1 million boardings daily on six electric rail lines and 118 bus routes utilizing more than 2,000 low-emission buses.
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