California Construction News staff writer
Construction is set to begin in November on the first phase of the Inglewood Transit Connector, a $250-million project that will build three mobility hubs, a pedestrian bridge connecting downtown to the Metro K Line and streetscape improvements.
The City of Inglewood broke ground on the project Oct. 22 at the site of the future Market and Florence Mobility Hub, just south of the Metro K Line’s Downtown Inglewood Station.
The first phase is designed to improve transit access and manage traffic during major events while revitalizing downtown streets. Construction is expected to continue through spring 2028, ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The project was redesigned after bids for an earlier people-mover proposal exceeded what the city could afford in 2024. The revised first phase is funded through state and regional transportation grants, led by California’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, without using the city’s general fund or introducing a new tax.
Three mobility hubs along Market Street will provide more than 1,000 parking spaces, designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off areas, and access for bicycles and pedicabs.
The Market and Florence hub will also include transit-oriented retail and a 10-bay bus plaza. A pedestrian bridge over Florence Avenue will connect downtown directly to the Metro K Line.
Streetscape improvements will include new sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and wayfinding along Market Street, Manchester Boulevard and Queen Street.
The mobility hubs are intended to give visitors a place to park and transfer to transit, reducing traffic on residential streets and improving neighbourhood safety.
Elevate Inglewood Development Company LLC, led by Plenary Americas, will deliver the project with contractor Swinerton and designer Walter P Moore. The team will build, finance, operate and maintain the infrastructure under a single guaranteed-maximum-price agreement.
The project also includes workforce development and local procurement commitments. Construction will be covered by a Community Workforce Agreement with targeted local hiring and apprenticeship opportunities, alongside a goal of directing 20 per cent of business participation to small and local businesses.
Once the project is operational, local residents are expected to account for 35 per cent of operations and maintenance labour hours.
The city is also working with the Inglewood Unified School District and the building trades to connect students with engineers, builders and planners and introduce them to construction-related careers.
“When the world arrives in 2028, Inglewood will be ready,” Mayor James T. Butts Jr. said at the groundbreaking, adding that the infrastructure is intended to provide lasting benefits for residents and businesses beyond the Games.
