FAA approves first cranes for new Rams stadium

The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday greenlighted the first of several large cranes to be used to help construct the $2.6-billion stadium for the Rams in Inglewood.

The two Liebherr LR 1300 cranes will stand 195 feet and 228 feet above the 298-acre site, according to the FAA, which determined that they won’t pose a hazard to air navigation. They’ll be used to install pilings for the stadium’s foundation.

Developers formally broke ground on the stadium last month after about a year and a half of site preparation and infrastructure work. The venue is expected to be completed in 2019.

Gerard McCallum II, project manager for the Hollywood Park Land Co., said the work is on schedule.

“We’re underway and comfortable,” he said.

The massive bowl where the stadium will be set 80 to 90 feet below ground -- approximately 175 feet will be above ground -- is taking shape and easily visible from flights arriving at nearby Los Angeles International Airport.

The excavation process is expected to take six to eight months.

McCallum said developers expect to finish removing the last sections of grandstands from the old Hollywood Park racetrack by March.

The stadium design remains under review by the FAA because of concerns that it could interfere with radar at LAX. Developers expect the matter to be resolved. Additionally, at least eight other applications to use cranes for the project are pending with the FAA.

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