L.A. MTA Begins Decking for Eastside Extension Project

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Jan. 25 began the last street decking operations on First Street between Evergreen Avenue and Lorena Street nar downtown Los Angeles as part of the tunnel portal construction for the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension. The 6-mi. light-rail project will connect Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles with the regional Metro Rail System.

The operation involves the construction of a concrete deck spanning between piles previously installed along First Street and which form the sides of the east portal tunnel to be excavated between Evergreen Avenue and Lorena Street. After the concrete panels are installed, traffic can travel over the surface while the east portal is constructed.

To mitigate noise during the work operations, temporary sound walls will be installed on the south side of First Street.