Los Angeles Council Approves Major LAX Curbside Revamp
The Los Angeles City Council has decided to allocate an extra $250 million to revamp the curbside area at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This is quite a leap from the initial plan which was just $13 million.
This substantial funding will support an existing contract with Hensel Phelps Construction from 2023, initially agreed upon at a much lower figure. The project is part of the ongoing Central Terminal Area Curbside Improvement Program, with full construction set to begin soon and the contract extended all the way to June 2029.
Now, the estimated cost of the project has swelled to a staggering $308 million.
City officials have granted a full exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act for this initiative, meaning it can move ahead without the usual environmental reviews. This is a common tactic aimed at speeding up development timelines for infrastructure projects.
Airport officials are promoting a concept for a revamped curbside that is meant to reflect a “modern, cohesive” aesthetic, and, honestly, tackle the daily turbulence often experienced at LAX.
However, it’s becoming clear that this entire undertaking is evolving beyond mere renovation.
The focus is particularly on the notorious horseshoe-shaped Central Terminal Area Loop, a spot known for its frequent traffic jams.
The plan calls for extensive curbside reorganization. This includes enlarging the passenger loading zones, redesigning areas for pick-ups and drop-offs, improving crosswalks and sidewalks, enhancing parking facades, and adding new seating, landscaping, and lighting. The goal is also to prepare for an expected increase in usage due to the 2028 Olympics.
“The next phase of LAX’s transformation is about much more than just infrastructure; it’s about creating a welcoming and inspiring first and last impression that truly reflects the character of Los Angeles,” noted Hans Tirenius, deputy executive director of LAWA’s Terminal Development Improvement Program, in a previous statement.
The curbside updates are merely one piece of a far larger transformation at LAX.
Over this, there’s the ongoing development of the Automated Personnel Transfer System, a $3.34 billion driverless train initiative meant to alleviate congestion. This system, which connects terminals to parking, rental services, and subway transit, is, however, now more than two years behind schedule due to various disputes, even though it is mostly constructed.
Importantly, funding for the curbside renovations won’t draw from the city’s general fund. Instead, it will be funded through airport revenue, passenger fees, and bond financing.
