LAX pedestrian bridge demolition is extended, causing delays

LOS ANGELES — Construction crews at Los Angeles International Airport Thursday began demolishing the pedestrian bridge connecting Terminal 6 to Parking Structure 6.

Today’s construction work was set for 2 to 3:30 a.m., but airport officials announced about 3:30 a.m. that work on the project would be extended until 4:30 a.m.

“Guests coming to LAX this morning are advised to allow additional time to reach their terminals,” LAX tweeted this morning.

Vehicles on the Upper/Departures Level were being detoured through Parking Structure 4 to the Lower/Arrivals Level. All vehicles were directed to use Center Way to exit the airport.

The demolition work was also scheduled between 2 to 3:30 a.m. on Friday morning, requiring another closure of the airport loop road.

The project, which will begin a new phase of the multibillion-dollar transformation of LAX, will necessitate a full closure of World Way South on both levels during the early morning hours.

The bridge must be demolished so construction can begin on a new terminal core, which will contain the elevators and escalators needed to reach the walkway to a planned Automated People Mover.

Deborah Flint, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, said: “The overnight removal of a main pedestrian bridge is a milestone in our LAX transformation that takes us one step closer to realizing the vision of a world-class airport in Los Angeles. Engineering a demolition of this magnitude while still keeping the airport open for business demonstrates our team’s commitment to innovative construction approaches that maintain the highest levels of safety and minimize the impact on our guests.”

Additional closures will be associated with the construction, and more information is available at flylax.com/en/lax-traffic-and-ground-transportation.