Iconic LAX pylons are being removed. Here's why

"Airport crews began removing the 15 illuminated pylons from the entrance of Los Angeles International Airport last week as part of a plan to ease traffic congestion ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics. The removal is temporary and part of LAX's Airfield and Terminal Modernization Program Roadway Improvements Project, which is intended to alleviate traffic congestion in and out of the airport, according to an LAWA news release."

""Since their installation in 2000, the iconic LAX pylons have stood as a vibrant symbol of LAX and Los Angeles, welcoming more than 1.2 billion visitors from around the world," Michael Christensen, chief airport development officer of Los Angeles World Airports, said in the release. "As part of the roadway modernization project, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine their design during this exciting new chapter in LAX's transformation as our teams diligently prepare for the construction of elevated roadways that will ease congestion, enhance safety, and deliver a world-class experience for travelers and our community.""

"LAX's Airfield and Terminal Modernization Program will reconfigure 4.4 miles of road and move cars previously queued along Sepulveda Boulevard onto dedicated, elevated roadways separate from local traffic. The roadways are expected to be open before the 2028 Summer Olympics, with full completion expected by 2030."

Airport crews have begun temporarily removing the 15 illuminated pylons at the entrance of Los Angeles International Airport to support roadway improvements ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics. The removal is part of LAX's Airfield and Terminal Modernization Program Roadway Improvements Project to alleviate traffic congestion in and out of the airport. The program will reconfigure 4.4 miles of road and move queued cars onto dedicated elevated roadways separated from local traffic. The elevated roadways are expected to open before the 2028 Olympics, with full project completion anticipated by 2030. Pylon artist Paul Tzanetopoulos will reimagine and reinstall the pylons after improvements. The pylons were originally designed in 2000.

Read at Los Angeles Times