Los Angeles World Airports has announced that the third of six pedestrian bridge structures has been installed to connect the airport’s terminals to the upcoming LAX Automated People Mover (APM) stations in the Central Terminal Area (CTA).
The latest bridge crosses over World Way to connect the West CTA station with Terminal 3.
Work took place over four evenings to assemble the partially pre-fabricated steel trusses. The trusses ranged in weight from 56,000 to 97,000 pounds, and were lifted into place with a 350-ton crane before being welded together.
Now the steel beams have been placed for the third pedestrian bridge, work will begin to install the underdeck scaffolding. This construction can continue above the roadway to minimise impacts on the public.
Jake Adams, Deputy Executive Director, Landside Access Modernization Program, said:With the completion of this operation, the steel structures for half of the pedestrian bridges over World Way have been successfully installed. As the airport continues to undergo major landside and airside modernisation efforts, these pedestrian bridges are a prelude to the future of connected travel at LAX.
The APM is a 2.25-mile electric train system that will transport travellers in and out of the CTA, connecting them with the new off-site parking facilities, regional light rail transportation, and the Rent-A-Car facility. The project is therefore a major component of LAX’s Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP).
The APM is also a critical infrastructure investment in preparation for Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Olympic Games. The convenient mode of transport is expected to relieve congestion and reduce emissions.
The first pedestrian bridge was installed in June 2021 to connect Terminal 4.5 with the West CTA station, while the second pedestrian bridge, connecting the Center CTA station to Terminal 2, was installed in September. Both bridges are now being prepared for the installation of glass panels later this year.
The remaining three bridges will be installed later this year, with installation for the Terminal 1 bridge scheduled to begin in February.
