Although Los Angles had an extensive historic rail transit system through the 1960s, the current LA Metro urban rail transit system that serves Los Angeles County, California opened in 1990 and following incremental expansion now comprises four light rail and two heavy rail transit lines serving over 100 stations and some 35 km constructed in tunnels.

Currently Metro is completing construction of 15 km of tunnels and 7 underground stations for the Westside Purple (D) Line Extension on the Westside of Los Angeles.  The ongoing program of countywide transportation improvements also includes more tunnels and underground stations.

The tunnelling challenges include construction in a dense urban environment, existing underground infrastructure, earthquakes, active faults, oil wells, methane and hydrogen sulphide gases in the ground.

The presenters for the evening are:

  • Matthew Crow – Deputy Executive Officer, Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority
  • Amanda Elioff – Sr. Vice President, WSP USA, Los Angeles

They will discuss these challenges over time and how engineering strategies and details enabled the safe efficient construction and then operation of these underground works.  

The presentations will start at 18:00 BST on Thursday 19th September and will be hosted at the Institution of Civil Engineers, 1 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AA

Notes:

  1. This is an in-person lecture but will also be streamed live. The streaming link will be made available at a later date.
  2. Tea & coffee will be served from 17:30 hrs onwards
  3. Post-lecture drinks and food will be served at the ICE bar

More information can be found here.