Rail to Rail Segment A Completed!

Today, Metro representatives, community members, and local organizations gathered to celebrate the opening of the Rail to Rail Segment A, which connects the A Line’s Slauson Station to the K Line’s Fairview Heights Station. This active transportation corridor provides a safe, comfortable route for walking and biking through historically underserved neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

Map of Rail to Rail Active Transportation Corridor Project, with Segment A highlighted in green. Image credits: LA Metro

Community members, Metro representatives, and City Council officials taking part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

In 2016, YKD joined the City Works Design team to provide landscape design and document management services during the Environmental Clearance and Design phase, successfully completing these tasks in 2017. In 2018, YKD became part of the HDR team, continuing its role from 30% design through Design Services During Construction (DSDC), with the project reaching completion in May 2025. Throughout the entire corridor, YKD was responsible for the layout of bike and pedestrian paths, site furnishings, security fencing, as well as planting and irrigation design.

A key feature of the project is its thoughtfully integrated landscape design, which plays a central role in enhancing the corridor’s usability and character. In addition to improving connections to bus and rail stations, the lush planting contributes to a more welcoming and comfortable public space—supporting Metro’s goals for equity, sustainability, and community well-being.

To bring the corridor to life, six distinct plant palettes were developed—each composed of diverse forms, colors, and textures—to give every section its own identity and create a vibrant, engaging landscape experience along the entire route. The planting design prioritizes California native, drought-tolerant species that are well-suited to the local climate, reducing long-term water use and maintenance while supporting ecological resilience and habitat value.

Trees were also strategically planted along the corridor to provide shade and enhance comfort for pedestrians and cyclists. In particular, the “mixing zones”—where crosswalks, bus stops, and bike stations converge—feature trees planted in suspended paving. These underground systems allow for healthy root growth in compact urban spaces while also functioning as an effective stormwater management solution, supporting both tree vitality and long-term infrastructure sustainability.

Section of suspended paving implemented in Rail to Rail Segment A.

Excerpt from LA This Week covering the opening of Rail to Rail Segment A. Video credits: LA CityView 35 (City of Los Angeles)