The Expo Line extension to Santa Monica is now in the final testing phase, with an opening scheduled for May 20. With empty trains now criss-crossing West L.A. and Santa Monica, drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists need to be hyper-aware of where the crossings are.
While the new 6.6-mile extension is partially elevated and, thus, separated from traffic at many points, it also interacts with Westside streets more than a dozen times. Here’s where to be especially vigilant when you’re behind the wheel (and stay tuned for a primer on Santa Monica crossings):
Bagley Avenue & Exposition Boulevard:
There are crossing gates at this intersection, which is just west of Culver City and in a residential neighborhood in Palms.
Overland Avenue & Exposition Boulevard:
This train crossing cuts across frenetic Overland Avenue, but there are wide crossing arms to make sure cars and trains don’t mix.
Westwood Boulevard & Exposition Boulevard:
A station sits on the eastern end of this intersection, but trains will path at street-level. Crossing gates will help keep the peace.
Military Avenue & Exposition Boulevard:
This quiet residential neighborhood is getting used to the train, and drivers should, too. Luckily, there are crossing gates here.
Barrington Avenue & Exposition Boulevard:
The train traverses Barrington Avenue, just south of Pico, Busy Barrington, one of the few north-south conduits in West L.A., is served by crossing arms.
