Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Thursday approved a light-rail line that would run down the “Crenshaw corridor” from Exposition Boulevard to LAX.

The line, which could open in 2018, would run through parts of Inglewood, Hawthorne and El Segundo as a much-needed north-south transit line, “potentially providing relief for the I-405 and I-110 freeways,” states the MTA.

The above-ground line would cost $1.3 billion, with funding coming from last year's, voter-approved Measure R transit piggy bank. MTA officials say the project will produce 7,800 jobs a year.

County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas wants the MTA to study putting a one-mile portion of the line — along Crenshaw Boulevard between 48th and 59th Streets — underground. That will add substantially to the bill.

“This project is long overdue and will provide congestion relief, improve air quality and serve as an economic catalyst,” said Ridley Thomas.

The supervisor came up with the official name for the project: Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.