Due to grave safety concerns, development on a portion of the Purple Line expansion project for Metro Rail has been delayed for the past two weeks. Since July 2021, around thirty work-related injuries have been documented. Workers fell off ladders, crushed fingers, and suffered other injuries during the expansion project.
“Safety of the workers is most important”-Metro
Metro stated that it alerted the project’s contractor, Tutor Perini O & G, of the harmful circumstances, but no action was taken. Now, Metro authorities state that construction cannot start until the past shortcomings are rectified, and a new strategy to ensure worker safety is developed.
The expansion of the Purple Line by 2.6 miles began construction in 2019. Wilshire Boulevard will serve as a connection between Western Avenue and the Westwood Veterans Affairs facility. The Purple Line also garnered the president’s interest. Earlier this month, on a trip to Southern California, Vice President Biden visited the site and stated that initiatives like these create employment and enhance the quality of life. Metro has not yet provided any information on when construction may restart.
