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The opening for the first part of LA Metro's D Line extension is delayed until early next year
A test train running through the upcoming Wilshire/La Brea station.
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Courtesy L.A. Metro
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You won’t be able to ride the first segment of L.A. Metro's D Line extension, which will stretch the subway route through Miracle Mile, until some time early next year, pushing the anticipated opening date back from this fall.
Why the delay? Metro said in a statement that testing “took longer than expected.” An agency spokesperson added that the contractor for the project is adding sidewalks, curbs and gutters before the first segment of the extension opens. “Metro is working as quickly as possible to ensure that when the line opens, it is something we can be proud of,” the countywide transportation agency said in an email.
Is there a more specific date? No. The most recent timeframe for the opening offered by Metro officials is “winter 2026.” But that means some time in January, February or March, not the end of next year.
Once complete, the D Line extension will take riders from downtown L.A. to Westwood.
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L.A. Metro
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What does “testing” mean? Metro said it’s currently making sure that the “stations, trains and other critical systems communicate properly with the Rail Operations Center,” the physical location where staff controls, manages and dispatches trains on the entire Metro rail system.
When will Metro announce a date? Senior Metro executive Tim Lindholm said during a construction committee meeting Wednesday that the agency will be able to declare a date once testing is complete. After that, Lindholm said there’s a “straightforward” process involving getting a safety certification from the California Public Utilities Commission.
More on the extension: The first phase of the extension spans nearly 4 miles west and includes three new stations along Wilshire Blvd at La Brea, Fairfax and La Cienega. The next two segments will add four additional stations, connecting the D Line to Century City and Westwood. Metro said the delays for the first segment “do not affect the schedule” for the second segment.
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