METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

L.A. Metro opens LEED-certified rail yard

Features of the yard include pollution reducing construction processes and easy access to public transportation for workers.

April 5, 2019
L.A. Metro opens LEED-certified rail yard

The $172-million rail maintenance facility that will serve the future Crenshaw/LAX Line and Metro Green Line was designed and built by Hensel Phelps Herzog (HPH) under contract with Metro.

LA Metro

2 min to read


The $172-million rail maintenance facility that will serve the future Crenshaw/LAX Line and Metro Green Line was designed and built by Hensel Phelps Herzog (HPH) under contract with Metro. LA Metro

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) joined federal, state, and local elected officials and community leaders to celebrate the completion of the Southwestern Yard, designed and constructed to attain LEED Silver Certification with many “green” features.

The features include: pollution reducing construction processes, easy access to public transportation for workers, treatment of storm water runoff, and the use of low-emitting paints, sealants, coatings, and materials. There is also energy-saving lighting and air conditioning.

Ad Loading...

The $172-million rail maintenance facility that will serve the future Crenshaw/LAX Line and Metro Green Line was designed and built by Hensel Phelps Herzog (HPH) under contract with Metro. Design work began in June 2015, construction in May 2016 and work was completed in January 2019 with the project on time and on budget.

Metro’s Southwestern Yard, the Airport Metro Connector/96th Street Station, the Automated People Mover, and the Aviation/Century Station will become the gateway to LAX for travelers and will provide better and equitable access to employment centers in this area.

  • Light rail vehicles will be maintained and inspected at the 115,000-square-foot facility where other work will be done including body repairs, painting, storage, and cleaning and washing.

  • The facility will house general administration and support service staff, miscellaneous maintenance shops and equipment housing and storage.

  • The rail yard will have the capacity to store 70 light rail vehicles and will have about 200 employees.

The Southwestern Yard is part of the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, the 8.5-mile light rail line that will meet with the Expo Line and connect with the Green Line near the Aviation/LAX Station. When the Crenshaw/LAX line opens in 2020 it will offer the communities of Crenshaw, Inglewood, Westchester, and LAX a modern transit option that offers easy access to the rest of the Metro Rail system.

In 2020, Metro is expected to begin major construction on the Airport Metro Connector/96th Street Transit Station, which will be next to the new rail yard. The station will be the transfer point between local transit — including the Crenshaw/LAX Line and Green Line — and Los Angeles International Airport’s future Automated People Mover that will transport riders to the airport terminals. The station and people mover are forecast to be complete in 2023.

More Rail

Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says

The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Contract

The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.

Read More →
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 26, 2026

People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ManagementJanuary 23, 2026

Seattle Sound Transit Sets Launch Date for Crosslake Connection

This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with a map of the proposed study area for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor and text reading "LA Metro Approves Underground Rail for Sepulveda Transit Corridor."
RailJanuary 23, 2026

LA Metro Approves Underground Rail for Sepulveda Transit Corridor

The agency’s selection aims to slash travel times from the San Fernando Valley to the Westside to under 20 minutes.

Read More →
TechnologyJanuary 21, 2026

Florida's Tri-Rail Taps Siemens Mobility for Modern Locomotive Procurement

Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Rendering of an Austin Light Rail station.
RailJanuary 20, 2026

Austin Transit Partnership Advances Federal Funding Process for Light Rail Project

See how the agency’s transit project completed a Final Environmental Impact Statement within the federal two-year guideline.

Read More →