WESTWOOD—In anticipation of Los Angeles possibly hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has requested $2.3 billion in federal funding in order to accelerate the Purple Line Extension Project to Westwood.
Earlier this week, LA Metro CEO Phillip Washington reportedly sent two letters to the Federal Transit Administration requesting participation in a pilot program that would give Metro the sufficient funds to finish the Purple Line by 2023.
Washington hopes to begin construction on the two Westwood train stations for the line in 2018, almost a decade ahead of schedule. Originally proposed deadlines see the project reaching Westwood in 2035.
As of 2015, the line runs from the Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles to Koreatown at Western Ave. and Wilshire Boulevard. After the extension, the Purple Line would end at the VA Hospital.
Metro also plans to build a station at Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street that would house a train or automated people mover able to transport crowds to and from Los Angeles International Airport.
Other stations for the Purple Line being constructed include locations at La Brea and Fairfax avenues and La Cienega Blvd. They would be open in time for the Olympics in 2023.
Should Los Angeles be awarded the games, it is expected that UCLA would host at least three sporting events including water polo, basketball, and field hockey. The school previously played host to several events for the 1984 Olympics including gymnastics at the Pauley Pavilion and tennis at the Los Angeles Tennis Center.
The city became the official American bid city following Boston’s withdrawal due to controversy earlier this summer. The host city for the 2024 Olympic bid will be announced in 2017.
