LAX Breaks Ground on Intermodal Transportation Facility - West
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti joined Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) leadership and elected officials for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Intermodal Transportation Facility – West (ITF-West), a key component of Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP). Located between Westchester Parkway and 96th Street, the ITF-West, a parking structure and mobility hub, will be the first component of LAX’s modernization projects to be completed, opening in 2021. Two new roadways – Jetway Boulevard and 93rd Street – will provide direct access to the facility.
“Today’s groundbreaking is an important milestone in our work to build the world-class airport travelers expect and deserve,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Once complete, the ITF-West will stand as a new front door to our airport welcoming travelers, reducing traffic congestion, and offering a seamless connection with the upcoming Automated People Mover.”
"This is another milestone as LAX becomes both a world-class airport and first-class neighbor," said Councilmember Mike Bonin, who represents the communities adjacent to the airport. "This new facility will create one of three convenient alternatives to driving into the airport’s crowded central terminal area. From here, an elevated tram will pick up and drop off travelers in a matter of minutes, reducing frustration for those coming to and from the airport, and reducing traffic for neighbors I represent.”
"With tourism to Los Angeles at an all-time high, the continuing modernization of LAX will exponentially multiply positive economic impacts throughout the region," said Councilmember Joe Buscaino, Chair of the Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee. "ITF-West will serve visitors and LAX employees using the latest green and smart technology while preparing Los Angeles to welcome visitors for the 2028 Olympics."
The four-story structure will provide much-needed parking for the fourth-busiest airport in the world, adding approximately 4,500 stalls – more than half of the parking stalls located in the Central Terminal Area (CTA) structures today. Featuring short and long-term parking options, the facility also will boast a Meet and Greet area, valet parking, electrical vehicle charging stations, and potential space for concessions. A shuttle will transport travelers and employees from the ITF-West to and from the CTA until completion of the Automated People Mover (APM) project in 2023. The ITF-West will feature an APM station, providing direct access to the new train system, and time-guaranteed access to the CTA once the APM is completed.
“In Los Angeles, parking is at a premium, especially at the airport,” said Sean Burton, President, Board of Airport Commissioners. “As a Board, we are focused on offering options and adapting to the ever-changing patterns of transportation. The Intermodal Transportation Facility – West will provide new parking and mobility options for our guests and will be ready to adapt to future airport needs.”
The ITF-West also will house the 26,000 square foot LAWA Security & Badging Office (SBO), which will benefit the more than 55,000 badged employees at LAWA and the environment. Currently, the SBO is located on the far west side of the airport off Pershing Avenue and World Way. With the APM system connecting to the ITF-West and Airport Metro Connector Station in 2023, employees will be able to utilize public transportation and the APM to take care of their badging needs, helping to take vehicles off the roadways and lower emissions.
“One year ago today, our Board of Airport Commissioners approved the contract for Swinerton Builders to design and construct the Intermodal Transportation Facility – West, and as we now start to construct this facility, it’s a symbolic step towards reliable and functional access to LAX ” said Deborah Flint, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. “By providing new options for our guests and employees with the latest parking technology, and multi-modality we are preparing LAX for the future of mobility.”
Sustainable elements include LED lighting with energy saving lighting controls, dedicated parking spaces for low emitting vehicles and car/van pools, low flow plumbing fixtures, electric vehicle charging stations, drought tolerant landscaping and recycled water.
The facility also will feature the latest smart parking technology. Parking Guidance Systems will be incorporated to identify the number of available parking spaces. This technology will be supplemented with a Parking Space Indicator System that directs drivers to available parking spaces through the use of green and red lights.
The experienced team of Swinerton Builders, featuring Watry and Gensler, is designing and building the project. The Swinerton team is fresh off of building the San Diego Airport Terminal 2 Parking Plaza and specializes in the construction of large parking structures.
The ITF-West is a major component of LAX’s $5.5 billion Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP). LAMP also features the APM, a 2.25 mile elevated train guideway featuring six stations, which will connect the terminals to new off-site parking facilities, new pick-up/drop-off locations, a Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility and will provide the long-awaited connection to the regional light rail system.
