Airport News

The new lighting scheme marks completion of Phase II of the $118-million LAX CTA Curbside Appeal and Roadway Improvement Project.

The project also includes wayfinding and roadway improvements, which operator Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) says are designed to make the airport more visible, safer, and easier to navigate for pedestrians and motorists.

A one-off light show featuring the 91 white sculptural light poles and mile-long lightband programmed with the multi-colours of the Special Olympic World Games – being held in Los Angeles this summer – marked the opening last night.

“I’m so proud to welcome to Los Angeles the more than 6,500 athletes participating in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games,” said Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti.

“And what better way to celebrate their arrival than unveiling the latest upgrade to our world class airport? Like the more than 70 million passengers flying in and out of our LAX each year, these athletes are arriving at an airport that offers a fitting first impression for our City of Angels.”

Phase II of the LAX Central Terminal Area Curbside Appeal and Roadway Improvement Project began Spring 2014.

In addition to the modern, custom-made LED (light-emitting diode) light poles and lightband, other project components include: wayfinding signage; a new canopy in front of Terminal 4; traffic and roadway improvements; and a retrofit of the Upper Level, World Way South, and Center Way roadways. 

The Curbside Appeal Project was designed to bring together the current separate-looking key architectural elements of the airport’s iconic 1960s Theme Building, the 2000 LAX Gateway light pylons, and the nine airline terminals.

Aesthetically, the Curbside Appeal Project will dramatically revitalize the look of LAX with new vibrancy, color and energy – offering a world-class welcome to travellers and visitors alike.

“Completing this phase of the LAX Curbside Appeal Project is another important milestone in our ongoing multi-billion-dollar effort to modernise and improve the passenger experience at LAX,” says Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners president, Sean Burton.

“We tried to create a remarkable experience that will benefit travelers and visitors to LAX.”

Phase I of the project, completed in 2013 when the New Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) began operations, included a new façade, curbside seating, canopy, light poles, and lightband in front of the terminal.

The canopy in front of TBIT is currently being extended to Terminal 4 and construction is scheduled to be completed in early 2016.

The long-range plan is to have canopies at all terminal. 

“The Curbside Appeal Project integrates state-of-the-art LED lighting and architecture to revamp the exterior kerbside street lighting, while cutting energy use by half,” said LAWA’s new executive director. Deborah Flint.

“With more distinctive wayfinding signage and roadway improvements, pedestrians and motorists will find LAX more accessible.”

The LAX Central Terminal Area Curbside Appeal and Roadway Improvements Project is part of the ongoing $8.5-billion LAX Modernization Program.