Work is progressing on Metro’s Regional Connector. The project is anticipated to be complete in 2022. (photo courtesy of Metro)

Metro has announced upcoming street closures as part of the Regional Connector Street Restoration project near the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station beginning on Saturday, Jan. 10. Traffic impacts in the area are expected to last through Aug. 31.

A full westbound street closure along First Street from Vignes to Alameda streets will begin on Jan. 10 and remain through May 1. Nine weekend closures of the intersection of First and Alameda streets will also occur from 7 p.m. on Fridays to 5 a.m. on Mondays on the weekends of Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31; Feb. 7, 14 and 21; May 1; and Aug. 28. Additional street closures along First Street from Central Avenue to Alameda Street will occur from May 4 through Aug. 31.

The street closures are needed as construction crews begin removing temporary deck panels at the intersection of First and Alameda streets. The street restoration work is anticipated to last for approximately eight months. Access to adjacent businesses will be maintained.

During the weekend closures, crews will remove temporary deck panels, backfill and repave the roadway. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow for extra time when commuting into the Little Tokyo/Arts District area.

The Regional Connector Transit Project is a 1.9-mile underground light-rail extension that will connect the Blue, Expo and Gold lines in downtown Los Angeles and will include three new stations at First street and Central Avenue, Second Street and Broadway, and Second Place and Hope Street. The rail line is expected to serve 88,000 riders daily – including 17,000 new riders – and save commuters up to 20 minutes by reducing the need to transfer in downtown Los Angeles. The project is expected to be complete in 2022.

For information, visit metro.net/regionalconnector.