Construction Begins On Next Phase Of Expo Line Project

SANTA MONICA (CBS) — Construction begins Monday on the next phase of the Expo Line project, which will extend light rail service from Culver City to Santa Monica.

A large crowd is expected to gather at a 9 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony near the corner of 4th Street and Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica.

In just four years, Expo lines are expected to run from downtown Los Angeles to USC, as well as west to Culver City and Santa Monica.

Tracks and stations are almost ready for passenger service as far west as La Brea Avenue.

Metro is also planning on running regular trains along Exposition Boulevard in just six weeks.

Officials, however, will have to answer tough questions about sticking to projected deadlines and budgets.

The first phase of the project, which cost hundreds of millions of dollars, went over budget and ran behind schedule.

The second phase, which includes seven new train stations, is expected to cost $1.5 billion.