Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has begun removing the ring of illuminated pylons that have marked the entrance to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) since 2000, as part of a wider programme of roadway improvements.
The 15 gateway pylons are being taken down to allow construction under the Airfield and Terminal Modernisation Programme (ATMP) Roadway Improvements Project. The scheme aims to ease congestion and improve traffic flow into, out of and around the airport by separating airport-bound vehicles from local traffic.
The pylons, which have welcomed travellers for 25 years, will be reintroduced in a redesigned form once the roadway works are complete. Artist Paul Tzanetopoulos, who was involved in the original installation, is working with the ATMP project team on a new design and layout. The reimagined pylons are expected to be installed by 2030.
The gateway pylons form part of a wider group of 26 illuminated structures that previously extended for around 1.5 miles along Century Boulevard, ranging in height from 25 to 100 feet. Some pylons were removed earlier to accommodate construction of LAX’s Automated People Mover, while the latest removals began earlier this month.
The ATMP Roadway Project will reconfigure 4.4 miles of roads and introduce elevated ingress and egress routes to improve vehicle and pedestrian access to the Central Terminal Area and nearby neighbourhoods. LAWA expects inbound roadways to be completed before the 2028 Summer Olympics, with outbound routes finished by 2030.
The roadway works will operate alongside new transport links, including the SkyLink people mover, as part of LAWA’s long-term capital investment programme.
