Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is no stranger to construction projects. For years, it has seemed like the construction does not stop. Currently, the airport has multiple projects underway and every month shares an update on the work being done.
Automated people mover (APM)
The Los Angeles International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, but its infrastructure is not adequately prepared to handle the volume of passengers that transit through. Traffic jams backing up Sepulveda Boulevard (one of the ways to enter LAX), ride-shares having to be moved completely away from the terminal areas, and the list goes on. All of these issues, and the fact that Los Angeles will be hosting the Olympics soon, as well as the FIFA World Cup, have led the airport to make significant changes to improve the airport.
Perhaps the most important improvement (or at least passengers hope it will be) is the Automated People Mover train system. This month, work will commence on the installation of the sixth and final elevated pedestrian bridge that will connect to the APM. This bridge will stretch from the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) to the future West Central Terminal Area (CTA) station. Construction is underway at the five other pedestrian bridges as well as the six APM stations.
Last month, the airport unveiled the first APM vehicle at an event hosted at what will serve as the operational hub for the APM system. Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti was present and said,
“The Automated People Mover will be so much more than another way to get to LAX – it’s the piece of the puzzle that will curb the congestion that has been plaguing our airport for decades. AS we wlcome the first car that will whick travelers to renovated terminals, parking structures, Metro rail, and a new rental car facility, it’s clear that a completely reimagined LAX is on the horizon.”
Terminal construction updates
While the APM system is being built, most LAX terminals are receiving enhancements. Terminals 2 and 3 are receiving a $2.3 billion modernization, including a new portion of the Terminal 3 concourse which will have nine new gates opening this fall. At the Tom Bradley International Terminal, a portion of the Terminal Vertical core is open in the north end of the building, providing arriving domestic passengers access to Baggage Claim 31 on the Lower/Arrivals Level as well as access to new escalators and elevators.
Boarding gate areas in Terminal 6 are undergoing renovations as part of a $230 million project.  Photo: Los Angeles International Airport
Terminal 4, operated by American Airlines is also receiving many enhancements. Four major projects are ongoing, new escalators and elevators, new ticketing counters, remodeled and improved finishes to public areas, and modernizations to baggage claim areas, ticketing lobbies, and concourse walkways. The east end of the terminal is currently being remodeled while the ticketing area and screening checkpoint have been moved to the west end. On the south end of the terminal, six gates are temporarily closed for the extension of the concourse.
The list of upgrades at LAX does not end there. The full September construction updates can be found on the Los Angeles World Airports website.
