LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The MTA is getting a green light for a light rail line expansion along Crenshaw Boulevard.

The Federal Transit Administration has given final approval for the $1.7 billion project.

The 8.5-mile line is designed to connect downtown Los Angeles to the Green Line, which stops nearly a mile from LAX.

Transit officials say construction should start this summer.

They expect the line to open in 2018.