'Century Crunch' construction crews tear down bridge

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Construction crews successfully tore down a bridge near Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday as part of the weekend-long "Century Crunch."

The railroad bridge was demolished to make way for a new Crenshaw/LAX light rail line station that will bring passengers much closer to the airport.

The same company that demolished the Mulholland Bridge is working on the "Century Crunch" project. Crews say this bridge differed because it was lower and thicker than the Mulholland Bridge.

"We're doing OK so far, and we hope to continue that way today," said Jose Ubaldo, a spokesperson with Metro. "Our main concern is the traffic. We expect to build up more after 7 a.m."

When lanes reopen on Monday, Century Boulevard will remain reduced by one lane in each direction for the next 16 months while crews construct the 8.5-mile Crenshaw/LAX line that will connect the Metro Green and Expo lines and include eight new stations.

The more than $2 billion project is expected to be done in 2019.

Drivers can call 511 and say "Century Crunch" for real-time traffic information and recommended detour routes. Callers can also say "traffic" for traffic information on roads that provide access to the LAX area.

Traffic information will also be made available on Go511.com and the Go511 smartphone app, which is available in iTunes and Google Play.

For more information on "Century Crunch," visit Metro's website.