Another milestone has been reached in the ongoing Automated People Mover (APM) project at Los Angeles International Airport after the last structural steel elements near the historic Theme Building have been installed. 

The 180-ton final piece serves as a base for the new viewing pavilion and is connected to the APM's East Central Terminal Area (CTA) station. Most of the decking, glass panels, and roofing elements of the APM's six pedestrian bridges have now also been installed, leaving only metal ceiling and electrical components of their construction left before completion.

"The viewing pavilion is a major milestone for the APM as it marks the completion of the project's largest construction efforts," Sam Choy, the Project Director for LINXS Constructors, explained in a news release. It joins the recently-completed final West Central Terminal Area station and pedestrian bridge for the $5.5 billion project, which will be fully completed next year. According to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a total of 9,000 tons of steel has been used in construction so far.

"Finishing the installation of the structural steel for our Automated People Mover project is another major step toward completion of this transformative transportation system," LAWA CEO Justin Erbacci said finally. "It is fitting that the final steel will help create the viewing pavilion for the traveling public to enjoy a new, picturesque vista of our world-famous Theme Building, which we cannot wait to share with our guests."