A rendering of what the landscaping will eventually look like along the Expo Line.

Here’s the press release from the Expo Line Construction Authority, the agency building the line that will be operated by Metro:

Los Angeles, CA (February 9, 2011) – Expo Line crews started planting trees and other landscaping today along the new light rail line as it nears completion from downtown Los Angeles to Culver City. The landscaping elements are part of plans to develop a multi-modal corridor that integrates transit, a bikeway, and pedestrian areas into a safe and balanced parkway setting.

With its native and drought tolerant plants, the landscaping along the alignment will provide screening and buffering along the transit corridor and establish a parkway that connects neighborhoods along the way. “The plantings will form a continuous, green, linear park and establish each station as a place, with a unique planting color and atmosphere,” said Roland Genick, Lead Urban Designer for the project.

Landscaping was planned with feedback from the Urban Design Committee whose members represent communities along the Expo Line route. The Expo Board of Directors appointed the 14-member committee in 2006 to provide input on the project’s design, landscaping and station artwork.

“By designing community outdoor spaces that integrate nicely into neighborhoods, we hope that Expo Line stations become a source of civic pride,” said Philip Hart, CEO of Hart Realty Advisors and Member of the Urban Design Committee.

Construction on the first segment of the Expo Line, from downtown Los Angeles to Culver City, is 86 percent complete. Light rail vehicles will begin testing on the tracks in the spring, and a portion of the line is expected to open later this year.

For more information about the Expo Line please visit our website at www.BuildExpo.org.