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Home > Projects & Programs > Purple Line Extension
Great progress has been made in Metro’s plans to extend the Metro Purple Line to the Westside. After more than four years of planning, environmental analysis, technical studies, and community input, the Metro Board of Directors certified the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Final EIS/EIR) for the Westside Subway Extension.
Continuing from the current terminus of the Metro Purple Line at Wilshire/Western, the Westside Subway Extension will extend westward for about nine miles with seven new stations. It will provide a high-capacity, high-speed, dependable alternative for those traveling to and from LA’s “second downtown”, including destinations such as Miracle Mile, Beverly Hills, Century City, and Westwood.
The Westside Subway Extension is one of Metro’s priority projects and is slated to receive partial funding from Measure R, approved by voters in November 2008. These local funds will be used to seek federal “New Starts” matching funds. Currently, the project is scheduled to be built in three phases; however, Metro is working to pursue opportunities to accelerate construction of the subway through the America Fast Forward Initiative.
With the completion of the Final EIS/EIR, Los Angeles is closer than ever to making this long-awaited project a reality, connecting the Westside to the region's growing rail transit network, and improving mobility for everyone who lives, works and plays throughout Los Angeles County.
Please look through our web site for information about what we have been studying, information we have shared with the public, how to follow the continuing planning work, and how to share your thoughts and questions with us.
Please go to Reports & Info to see Study information. If you have questions or want to be notified of upcoming meetings, please go to Contact Us.
You can also follow us on the web using:
Get more updates on twitter.com/PurpleLineExt
| Date/Time | Location | Notice Brief | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | |||
| May 19 – July 2013 M-F 9am-3pm & 9pm-6am |
Miracle Mile | Utility relocation along Wilshire Blvd between Highland and S. Detroit | HTML |
| Monday, May 13 through Friday, May 24, 2013 (Weekdays only) 9AM-3PM |
Miracle Mile | Geotechnical Field Testing | HTML |
| 2012 | |||
| November 13th 9AM-3PM November 14th - December 23rd M-Th 7PM-5AM; 9AM-3PM |
Wilshire Blvd between S. Detroit St & S. La Brea Ave and S. Detroit St South of Wilshire Blvd | Relocating existing AT&T communications conduits & ports | HTML |
| October 24th – November 11th M-F 9AM-3PM; Sundays 8AM-5PM |
Wilshire Bl btwn San Vicente & La Cienega | Work performed will consist of potholing. | HTML |
| August 21-September 7 (weekdays only) 9:00am – 3:30pm |
Miracle Mile | Work performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| August 13-September 7 (weekdays only) 9:00am – 3:30pm |
Mid-Wilshire | Work performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| July 16-27 (weekdays only) 9:00am – 3:30pm |
Wilshire/La Brea area | Work performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| July 2 - 20, 2012 Mondays (Weekdays only, except Holiday)(weekdays only) 9:00am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax Area) | Work performed will consist of one (1) type of testing. | HTML |
| June 18 - 29 9am - 3:00pm |
City of Beverly Hills | Work performed will consist of one (1) type of testing. | HTML |
| June 13 9am - 3:00pm |
City of Beverly Hills | Work performed will consist of field surveying. | HTML |
| April 30 - May 1 9am - 3:30pm |
City of Beverly Hills | Work performed will consist of one (1) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| April 9 - 18 9am - 3:30pm (weekdays only) |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax area) | Work performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 29 - April 6 (weekdays only) 9am-3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax area) | Work to be performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 19 9am-3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax Area) | Work to be performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| January 6 9am-3pm |
Santa Monica Blvd between Century Park West and Comstock Ave | Repair work will consist of (2) crew trucks and (3) crew personnel | HTML |
| 2011 | |||
| October 10-14 & October 17-21 9am-3:00pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| September 19-23 9:00am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work performed will consist of one (1) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| September 12-16 9:30am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Westwood) | Work performed will consist of one (1) types of testing, see notice for details. |
HTML |
| September 6-9 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work performed will consist of one (1) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| August 23-24 9am - 3:00pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of one (1) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| August 15-19 9am – 3:00pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of one (1) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| August 15-19 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Beverly Hills | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| August 15-19 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be work performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| August 11-12 9am – 3:00pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of one (1) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| August 11-12 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of one (1) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| August 1-5 9am – 3:00pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of one (1) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| August 1-5 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| July 25-29 9am – 3:00pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| July 25-29 9am-3:30pm & 8pm-6am |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details | HTML |
| July 18-22 9am – 3pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. |
HTML |
| July 18-22 9am – 3:30pm & 8pm – 6am |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) |
Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| July 11-15 9am – 3pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| July 11-16 9am-3:30pm & 8pm-6am |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| July 5-8 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| July 5-9 9am-3:30pm & 8pm-6am |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| July 5-9 9am-3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| July 5-9 9am-3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Westwood) | Work to be performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 27 - July 1 9:00am-3:00pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 27- July 1 9:00am-3:30pm 9:00pm-6:00am July 2, 2011 8:00am-5:00pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 27 - July 2 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 27 -July 1 7am-5pm |
City of Los Angeles (Westwood) | Work performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 20-24 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 20-24 9am-3:30pm June 25 (Sat) 8am-5pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 20-25 9am-3:30pm & 9pm-5am |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 20-24 9am-3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Westwood) | Work performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 13-17 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) |
Work to be performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. |
HTML |
| June 13-17 9am-3:30pm June 18 (Sat) 8am-5pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 13-18 9am-3:30pm & 9pm-6am |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. |
HTML |
| June 13-17 9pm-6am |
City of Los Angeles (Westwood) |
Work to be performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 6-10 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Westwood) | Work performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 6-12 (Mon-Sun) 9:30am – 4:00pm & 9pm-6am |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 6- 11 9am-3:30pn & 9pm-6am |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 6-10 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| June 6 9pm-6am |
City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Country Club) | Work to performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 31 – June 3 9:30am – 4:00pm June 4 8am – 5pm/9pm – 5am |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) |
Work performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. |
HTML |
| May 31 – June 3 9am – 3:30/9pm – 5am June 4 8am-5pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. |
HTML |
| May 31 – June3 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. |
HTML |
| May 21 (Sat) 9am – 3:30pm May 23-27 (M-F) 9am – 3:30pm |
Westwood Area (VA Hospital) | Work to be performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 23 (M) 7am – 9pm |
City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Country Club) | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 23-28 (M-F) 9am – 3:30 May 28 (Sat) 8am – 5pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 23-27 (M-F) 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 23-27 (M-F) 9:30am – 2:30pm May 28 (Sat) 8am – 5pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 16-21 9am – 3:30 and 9pm – 5am (M-F) 8am – 5pm (Sat) |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 16-20 9pm - 6am |
City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Country Club) | Work to be performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 16-20 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 16-20 9:30am – 4pm (M-F) 8am – 5pm (Sat) |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 9-13 9am-3:30 AND 9pm-5am |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 14 8am-5pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | |
| May 9-13 9:30am – 4pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 9-13 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 2 - 6 9:30am-4:00pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 2 - 7 9am-3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 2 - 6 7am-5pm |
City of Los Angeles (VA Hospital) | Work to be performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| May 2 - 6 9am-3:30 |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be performed will consist of four (4) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| April 25-29 9:30am – 4pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| April 25-29 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| April 18 6am-midnight |
City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Country Club) | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| April 19, 9pm – April 20, 6am | City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Country Club) - only if necessary | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | |
| April 18-22 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| April 11-15 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City area) | Work to be performed will consist of two (2) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| April 11-15 9am – 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax area) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| April 4-8 9:30am - 4pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of one (1) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| April 4-8 9pm - 5am |
City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Country Club) | Work to be performed will consist of two (2) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| April 4-8 9am - 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax & Koreatown) | Work performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 29-April 1 9:30am - 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City and Westwood/Comstock Hills areas) | Work to be performed will consist of three types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 28-April 1 9pm - 5am (Night Work) |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be performed will consist of three types of testing, see notice for details. |
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March 28-April 1 |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be performed will consist of three types of testing, see notice for details. | |
| March 28-April 1 9am - 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax & Koreatown) | Work performed will consist of 3 types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 28-April 1 9:30am - 3:30pm |
City of Beverly Hills (east Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of three types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 21-25 9am - 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax Area) | Work performed will consist of rotary-wash drilling & underground utility identification, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 21-25 9:30am - 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City and Westwood/Comstock Hills Areas) | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 21-25 9pm - 5am |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be performed will consist of one type of testing, see notice for details. | |
| March 21-25 9:30am - 3:30pm |
City of Beverly Hills (East Beverly Hills) | Work to be performed will consist of two types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 14-18 9:30am - 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City and Westwood/Comstock Hills areas) | Work to be performed will consist of four (4) type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 16-19 9pm - 6am (Night Work) |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | Work to be performed will consist of one type of testing, see notice for details. | |
| March 14-18 9:30am - 3:30pm |
City of Beverly Hills | Work to be performed will consist of one type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 14-18 9am - 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Fairfax Area) | Work to be performed will consist of one type of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 7 - 11 9am - 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Westwood/Comstock Hills Area) | Work to be performed will consist of three (3) different types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
| March 7 - 11 9am - 3:30pm |
City of Los Angeles (Century City) | During this next part of testing the work performed will consist of four (4) different types of testing, see notice for details. | HTML |
Metro Approves Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Final EIS/EIR)
Metro has approved the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Final EIS/EIR) for the 9-mile extension of the Metro Rail Purple Line subway. Beginning at the current Wilshire/Western station, it is planned that the project will add seven new stations:
Over the past 30 years, tremendous population growth, employment growth, worsening congestion, changing land use and traffic patterns, as well as Metro’s growing challenge to meet transit demands, have all led to the need to improve mobility on the Westside of Los Angeles.
In fall 2007, Metro began an Alternatives Analysis Study (AA) for the Westside Extension Transit Corridor. Over a year-and-a-half, the AA considered whether transit improvement was needed in the area and evaluated different types of transit improvements and alignments. The AA concluded in January 2009 when the Metro Board of Directors decided to move forward with the Draft Environmental Impact Study/Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIS/EIR), which analyzed five subway alternatives.
The Draft EIS/EIR began in Spring 2009 to assess the impacts of alternatives both during construction and once the system is operating, and to look at possible mitigation measures. Issues addressed as the alternatives were refined included decisions about station locations and ultimate alignments. The Draft EIS/EIR process concluded in October 2010 with Metro’s staff recommendation for a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) to enter into the Final EIS/EIR process.
In Fall 2010, Metro authorized the preparation of the Final Environment Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Final EIS/EIR) to refine the Board-selected LPA, alignment, station and entrance locations, ridership data, costs; mitigation measures and responses to comments on the Draft EIS/EIR document. The Final EIS/EIR was released in March 2012 for public review. In April 2012, the Metro Board of Directors certified the Final EIS/EIR and approved the first phase of the project extending it to La Cienega. In May 2012, the Metro Board approved the second and third phases of the subway extending it to the Westwood/VA Hospital.
Metro and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) are partnering to meet the requirements of both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in the environmental assessment of the Westside Subway Extension project.
|
Release of Final EIS/EIR for public review & Public Open Houses |
March 2012 |
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Metro Board Approval & Certification of Final EIS/EIR |
April & May 2012 |
|
Secure Record of Decision (ROD) and request federal “New Starts” funding |
Spring 2012* |
|
Secure federal funding, complete engineering, prepare bid documents, award construction contracts, begin pre‐construction activities (surveys, utility relocation, etc.), and complete Final Design. |
2012/2013* |
|
Begin construction |
2013* |
*Anticipated future dates
Please go to Reports & Info to see Study information. If you have questions or want to be notified of upcoming meetings, please go to Contact Us.
You can also follow us on the web using:
FAQs October 2012 - Printable Version
Work to bring the Metro Purple Line to the Westside is moving forward with plans approved to add 9 miles to the existing Subway. Metro is now preparing for construction of the project.
This set of “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) provides an overview of the project including the work that will occur to prepare for construction and during construction. The FAQs will continue to be updated as the project proceeds.
Please look through this website for more information about the project.
Subjects discussed here include:
1. What is the approved Westside Subway Extension project?
The approved project is a nine-mile westward extension of the Metro Purple Line subway. Beginning from the current Wilshire/Western station, the project will add seven new stations at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, Wilshire/La Cienega, Wilshire/Rodeo, Century City (at Constellation/Ave of the Stars), Westwood/UCLA (at Wilshire/Westwood), and Westwood/VA Hospital.

2. What was the process that led to the decisions about this project?
The Westside Subway Extension was studied in accordance with both state and federal environmental analysis guidelines. Formal environmental studies began in late 2007 and concluded in May 2012. During that time there was in-depth analysis of the project evaluating numerous alternatives, and extensive community outreach. All of this work is documented in the Alternatives Analysis (AA) Study, Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIS/EIR)and Final EIS/EIR. The Metro Board of Directors was provided with regular updates and made decisions at key milestones throughout this process.
In January 2009, the Metro Board approved the AA Study and directed staff to further evaluate various alternatives in the Draft EIS/EIR. At their meeting in October 2010, the Board approved the Draft EIS/EIR and selected the “Locally Preferred Alternative” (LPA) for further analysis in the Final EIS/EIR. The Final EIS/EIR was certified by the Metro Board of Directors at their April 2012 meeting where they also approved the first section of the project to Wilshire/La Cienega. At their May 2012 meeting, the Board approved the rest of the project to the Westwood/VA Hospital. In August 2012, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued a Record of Decision for the project. These actions by the Metro Board and the FTA combine to signify the end of the environmental review process at the state and federal level.
Please go to Reports and Info to view information that was produced as a part of the studies including reports to the Metro Board of Directors, additional technical reports, fact sheets, and meeting presentations.
3. When will construction start?
Construction of the first phase of the subway is anticipated to break ground in 2014. Metro is currently undertaking pre-construction activities in anticipation of the start of construction.
4. Will the Purple Line Extension be built in phases and when will it get to Westwood?
Current funding streams allow the project to be built in three phases, with the initial phase to Wilshire/La Cienega planned to open in 2022. Under this three-phase scenario, the total project is forecast to cost $6.3 billion based on the schedule shown in the chart below
|
|
Planned Schedule |
Forecasted Schedule |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Section 1 |
Section 2 |
Section 3 |
|
Length |
3.9 Miles |
2.6 Miles |
2.9 Miles |
|
New Stations |
Wilshire/La Brea |
Wilshire/Rodeo |
Westwood/UCLA |
|
Pre-Construction Activities |
Current-2014 |
2017-2018 |
2025-2027 |
|
Construction |
2014-2023 |
2019-2026 |
2027-2035 |
|
Operations |
2023 |
2026 |
2035 |
Metro is pursuing alternate funding scenarios that could accelerate subway construction possibly allowing the entire 9-mile project to be built in one phase at a reduced cost and opened as early as 2023 (see Question 7 for more information). This chart will be updated as new information becomes available.
5. What will the project cost and how is it funded?
The total project is forecast to cost $6.3 billion based on the three-phase scenario and schedule shown in the chart in Question 4. About three-fourths of those funds are generated locally from Measure R, the half-cent sales tax approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2008. Metro will be seeking the remainder in federal matching funds through the New Starts Program. Metro is pursuing alternate funding scenarios that could accelerate subway construction possibly allowing the entire 9-mile project to be built in one phase at a reduced cost and opened as early as 2023.
6. What is Measure R?
Measure R is the half-cent sales tax that was approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2008. The funds are being collected over 30 years for transportation purposes including several new transit and highway projects around the County, as well as bus and rail operations. Measure R also provides funding to cities in Los Angeles County for transportation purposes.
The Westside Subway Extension is one of the new transit projects included in Measure R. The Measure R funding schedule for this project allows it to be built in the three phases according to the schedule shown in Question 4.
7. Would Measure J accelerate the construction of the second and third phases of the Subway?
As noted in Question 4, Metro is pursuing alternate funding scenarios to accelerate subway construction. Measure J is one option that could allow the full subway to be built sooner. As originally adopted, Measure R (discussed in Question 6) is due to expire in 2039. Measure J is a proposal that would extend this existing half-cent sales tax for an additional 30 years till 2069. This longer revenue stream would increase Metro’s ability to sell bonds and pursue low-interest federal loans with the intention of completing the 30 years of Measure R projects sooner – possibly in as few as 10 years. This could allow the extension of the Purple Line to be built in one phase at reduced cost and possibly opened as soon as 2023. Measure J will need to be approved by two-thirds of Los Angeles County voters during the November 2012 election.
8. How many people will ride the Westside Subway Extension?
Based on the analysis conducted during the Final EIS/EIR, the Westside Subway Extension to the Westwood/VA Hospital station will generate about 49,300 daily weekday boardings at the seven new stations. Using a different measure, there would be about 78,000 new daily trips on the full Metro Rail System as a result of opening this line.
9. How often will the trains run?
During peak periods, trains are expected to run every four minutes. During off-peak periods, they are expected to run every 10 minutes.
10. How long will it take to travel to the Westside on the subway from various destinations around LA County?
It is projected to take about 25 minutes to travel between downtown Los Angeles and Westwood on the subway. See the chart below for travel times from other areas around the County.

11. Where will the stations and station entrances be located?
The full nine mile extension of the Purple Line includes seven new stations located at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, Wilshire/La Cienega, Wilshire/Rodeo, Century City (at Constellation/Ave of the Stars), Westwood/UCLA (at Wilshire/Westwood), and Westwood/VA Hospital. Metro will fund one “full” entrance at six of the seven stations. Metro will fund two “full” entrances at the Westwood/UCLA station due to the high number of boardings anticipated there. A “full” entrance contains two escalators, two elevators and stairs. Additional entrances might be added if additional funding can be secured. In some cases, adjacent property owners have expressed interest in working with Metro to provide and fund additional entrances.
|
Station |
Approved Metro-Funded Entrance Location(s) |
|---|---|
|
Wilshire/La Brea |
Northwest corner of Wilshire/La Brea |
|
Wilshire/Fairfax |
Southeast corner of Wilshire/Orange Grove |
|
Wilshire/La Cienega |
Northeast corner of Wilshire/La Cienega |
|
Wilshire/Rodeo |
Southwest corner of Wilshire/Reeves |
|
Century City |
Preferred location at Northeast corner of Constellation/Avenue of Stars; |
|
Westwood/ UCLA |
One entrance on UCLA Lot 36 near northwest corner of Wilshire/Gayley; and, |
|
Westwood/VA Hospital |
Southeast corner Wilshire/Bonsall |
12. Where have property owners adjacent to stations indicated interest in providing additional station entrances?
So far, this has occurred at 2 stations. They are:
Wilshire/Fairfax: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has indicated an interest in providing a station entrance across from the one planned for the northeast corner or Wilshire and Orange Grove. This additional entrance would be on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard.
Century City: In the event that a primary station entrance on the northeast corner of Constellation/Avenue of the Stars is not deemed feasible because of changes in conditions to that property as it is developed, an alternate site has been identified on the southwest corner on the Century Plaza Hotel property. The Century Plaza Hotel has committed in their development agreement with the City of Los Angeles to work with Metro for a possible subway entrance on their property if necessary. Also, Metro has committed to work with the Westfield Century City Shopping Center on plans to allow for a second entrance to be developed with a direct connection to the shopping center.
Conversations will these entities are ongoing and it is still too early to say whether or not the additional entrances will be able to be built.
13. How big are the stations?
Each station is essentially like a multi-story underground building on its side. The station “boxes” are approximately 800-1,000 feet long and 70 feet wide. The station will incorporate a passenger train loading platform that is 450 feet long and an upper level concourse for ticketing. Other space is needed to accommodate various station equipment rooms for power, ventilation, and communications. Station boxes are longer where cross-over tracks are required. See our Station Fact Sheet and our Construction Fact Sheet for more information.
14. How will the station in my area look?
Metro’s new stations will be designed and built based on the latest knowledge from studying transit systems around the world, and from local experience. Metro is working to design stations that are user-friendly, easily recognized as part of the Metro system, efficient, durable, have world-class architectural quality, perform well, and that capture the essence of Los Angeles. The mission and goals of this effort are to:
During the pre-construction period, Metro will continue to provide opportunities for community input for the designs of the stations.
15. Will there be art at the stations?
Metro commissions artists to create engaging and thought-provoking artworks to make the transit journey more inviting and pleasurable. Public art is incorporated into all Metro stations, weaving a multi-layered tapestry that mirrors Los Angeles County’s rich contemporary and popular cultures. As station design advances, Metro will identify artwork locations and orchestrate artist selection. Artists are selected through a peer review process with community input with all artworks created especially for their transit-related sites.
The goal of the art program is to:
16. I understand Metro is not planning to add any parking at the stations. How will I be able to use the station near me?
Metro is working to design the stations with improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities, as well as easy transfers to buses and local shuttles that easily connect with other key destinations. It is also anticipated that existing public and private parking facilities in the areas around stations will likely make parking available to subway patrons, particularly if employees in some of the Westside employment areas switch to the subway thereby freeing up a parking space in existing parking facilities. Metro will work with adjacent private parking operators to develop shared parking arrangements.
17. What are the next steps in the process before construction begins?
Construction for the first section of the project is scheduled to begin in 2014. Until then, various pre-construction activities will occur. These include:
18. Tell me more about the utility relocation work that will occur during the pre-construction period.
Facilities for various utilities run beneath city streets. This can include service for electricity, water, gas, cable, telecommunications, etc. Relocating utilities is an expected and important step in preparing for construction of tunnels and stations where they might impact those utilities. The utility companies or Metro contractors will be working to relocate any and all utilities to avoid service disruptions to customers. Communities located closest to the utility relocation work will be notified in advance when this work will occur.
19. What is the purpose of the exploratory shaft near Fairfax and what will that work entail?
In preparation for construction of the Purple Line Extension, Metro contractors will be constructing an exploratory shaft to further assess ground conditions for the future Wilshire/Fairfax Station. The shaft will provide additional information about earth pressure and gas conditions to gain a better understanding of the unique ground conditions that Metro will encounter building the subway tunnels and station in the vicinity of the La Brea Tar Pits. This information will build on data gathered during the environmental analysis for the project. The shaft will be constructed on the lot at the southwest corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Ogden Drive and will measure approximately 40 x 20 x 75 feet.
Since the work is near the La Brea Tar Pits, there is a possibility that fossil deposits will be encountered. Metro will have a paleontologist on-site full-time during shaft excavation in the fossil-bearing layers of earth. Any fossil discoveries will be carefully removed and turned over to the George C. Page Museum. Removal methods have been pre-approved by the Page Museum staff.
20. When will Metro start negotiating with property owners for subsurface easements, or buying or leasing property for station entrances and construction areas?
Now that the project has received a federal Record of Decision (ROD), Metro’s Real Estate Department will begin appraisals and then contact property owners to initiate the process to acquire the needed properties and underground easements. This will occur through 2013 for the first section of the project from Western to La Cienega. See question 4 for the anticipated timing of pre-construction activities for the other sections of the Subway.
Metro is required by State and Federal law to provide just compensation to property owners for the purchase or use of their property, including temporary and permanent easements. Just compensation is defined as the fair market value of the property or easement as determined by an independent real estate property appraiser. Metro will obtain an appraisal for each property that will consider a variety of factors including location, size, the highest and best use of the property consistent with current zoning, the impact of the subway on future development potential, the depth of the tunnels below the surface, and other factors.
Metro will seek to reach a negotiated agreement with a property owner wherever possible. Ample time will be allowed for the property owner to obtain their own appraisal and for negotiations. If a negotiated agreement cannot be accomplished, Metro may exercise its power of eminent domain to acquire the property as a last resort.
Please see our Property Acquisition Fact Sheet for more information.
21. I understand Metro will use a “design-build” method in contracting for subway construction. Can you explain what this means?
Design-Build refers to the type of project delivery method in which the designer is an integral part of the construction contractor’s team, performing final design from preliminary engineering that is provided by the owner. This method differs from the Design-Bid-Build project delivery method in which the owner retains a designer to produce a final design that is then solicited for construction bids. The advantage to Design-Build is that it gives the Design-Builder the opportunity to provide innovative and more cost-effective design solutions with the potential of cost and schedule savings.
22. How will the subway be built?
Technology for tunneling has changed significantly. The tunnels are bored below ground utilizing pressurized, closed-face boring machines. This is the technology that was used very successfully for the tunnel on the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension that opened in 2009. Stations must be built by excavating from the ground down. See our Construction Fact Sheet for more information.
23. Will traffic on Wilshire Boulevard and other major streets be disrupted?
There is no way to build the subway without some impact to traffic. Traffic impacts will mostly be concentrated at station areas and occur primarily at the beginning and end of station construction. In these areas, detours and temporary lane closures will be required for initial station excavation and to install the temporary street decking. These same measures will be required toward the end of station construction to remove the decking and reconstruct the street. In the approximately five years in between, while the station is being constructed under the decking, impact to surface street traffic will largely be limited to trucks hauling construction materials and excavated soil on designated haul routes. Between stations, tunneling will have little if any impact to surface traffic. Please see our Construction Fact Sheet for more information.
24. Will I be impacted by subway construction if the tunnels run beneath my property?
The extension of the Purple Line will operate mostly under Wilshire Boulevard – however, there are segments where this is not possible. In order to reach the Century City station, the tunnel will need to pass below homes and businesses in southwest Beverly Hills as well as below a small segment of Beverly Hills High School. The tunnel will also have to travel beneath residential and commercial property between Century City and Westwood.
Few if any surface impacts are anticipated from tunnel construction between the stations. Unlike the stations which are excavated from the surface, tunnels are bored completely below ground utilizing the latest tunnelling technology. See our Construction Fact Sheet for more information. The tunnels are generally 50- 70 feet deep though in some areas extend to depths of greater than 100 feet.
25. What about once the subway is operating? Will I be able hear or feel the trains if my property is directly above the tunnels?
The Final EIS/EIR found that there were only three locations where noise and vibration from subway operations would exceed thresholds established by the FTA and that these impacts could be fully mitigated. One of these is an apartment building near La Brea. The other two are theaters – specifically the Wilshire/Ebell Theater near Crenshaw Boulevard and the Saban Theater near La Cienega. Appropriate mitigation measures will be included in the tunnel trackwork design to mitigate any impacts to these properties. No other properties are expected to have ongoing noise or vibration impacts that will require mitigation. Metro’s subway tunnels today have been in operation for more than 15 years and pass beneath numerous properties. Metro does not receive any complaints from those living or working above those tunnels.
26. What steps will be taken to reduce impacts of construction?
There is of course no way to construct a major infrastructure project without any impacts. As part of the Final EIS/EIR, Metro produced a Mitigation Monitoring & Reporting Plan that outlines the steps that will be used to avoid or reduce significant impacts of project construction. Metro will work to minimize impacts on businesses, residents and property owners. Mitigation measures might encompass construction fencing and sound walls around staging areas, locating earth removal locations near major streets and freeways, specifying haul routes, etc. Improved communications, including signage and advertising, are typically employed to help maintain access and encourage ongoing patronage to businesses. In addition, Metro has established procedures to document existing conditions at properties along the subway construction alignment in advance of construction to accurately assess and address any damage claims that may arise. These will be implemented by Metro’s contractors, in coordination with the cities of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills along the subway alignment. Metro will to work with these cities prior to construction to refine the plans and will have community outreach staff available during construction to respond to any issues that may arise.
27. Where will the earth removal occur and what haul routes will be used to dispose of the material?
Earth from station excavation will be removed at each of the station sites. Earth that is excavated for the tunnels between the stations using the tunnel boring machines (TBMs) will be removed at three locations – Wilshire/La Brea, Century City and the Westwood/VA Hospital. These are also the locations where the TBMs are planned to be lowered into the ground and launched. The proposed truck haul routes for earth removal identified in the Final EIS/EIR are conceptual and may be updated and revised once additional information, such as construction sequencing, is finalized. In addition, the proposed routes will be subject to the approval of Metro and appropriate at Federal, State, and local agencies. As much as possible, haul routes are planned for major thoroughfares and freeways, and to avoid residential areas. To minimize peak-period traffic disruption, haul truck activity is anticipated to take place during off-peak and nighttime periods. See Chapter 3 of the Final EIS/EIR for more information.
28. What will happen to the properties Metro uses for construction staging sites once the subway is built?
If Metro has leased the property, it will be returned to the owner following completion of construction. If Metro is the owner of the property and has no further need for it, the land may either be sold or made available for Transit Oriented Development (TODs) in partnership with Metro. If a TOD project is feasible, Metro will typically issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking development proposals for the particular property. Through a competitive process, Metro would select what it feels is the best development option for the site that will also generate revenue to offset subway construction and operation expenses. In all cases, any future development of these properties would be subject to local planning and approval processes.
29. What precautions will be taken to ensure tunnel and station safety in areas with gassy soil?
Safety, both during construction and eventual operations, is Metro’s highest priority. It was one of the key evaluation criteria used throughout the entire study.
Subway tunnels will be built through the use of closed-face, pressurized tunnel boring machines (TBMs). During construction, these pressure-face TBMs isolate gas from workers and the public, while gassy soil and tar sands are separated and treated appropriately. Enhanced ventilation systems will be used where necessary to ensure tunnel and station safety and, if necessary, double gaskets for the tunnel lining or other measures may also be installed.
Where needed, tunnels and stations will be designed and built to provide a redundant protection system against gas intrusion. This might include:
During operations, safety codes require rigorous and continuous gas monitoring, alarms, automatic equipment shut-off and additional personnel training.
30. How can subways be built and operate safely in an area with earthquake faults?
Many underground facilities – subway tunnels, sewers, storm drains, and buildings with deep basements and underground parking garages – have been built in Los Angeles and throughout California near active fault zones. California has some of the strictest building standards when it comes to designing infrastructure to withstand earthquakes.
One of the initial steps in planning the subway was to identify fault zones located in the area and understand their characteristics. The goal in planning the subway is to avoid fault zones if possible. If that is not possible, then every effort is made to minimize exposure by crossing the fault zone(s) in a perpendicular orientation. Various special engineering techniques are employed in fault zones to reduce risk, limit any damage that may occur, and allow for a swift return to regular operations should a seismic event take place. This can include constructing larger diameter tunnels with secondary linings or the use of enhanced tunnel linings and other measures to accommodate ground movement in fault zones. No transit agency in North America has knowingly built a subway station within a known active fault zone. In fact, the Crenshaw/LAX light rail project – another Metro project currently beginning construction – moved the location of its planned La Brea station to avoid having it sit atop the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone.
Metro published detailed reports of its investigation of the fault zones in the area around Century City where seismic features have influenced decisions regarding station locations and tunnel alignments. This seismic analysis shows that the Santa Monica Fault Zone appears to extend under the Los Angeles Country Club and beneath Santa Monica Boulevard from the vicinity between Century Park East and Avenue of the Stars and extending west until it begins to turn away from Santa Monica Boulevard somewhere near intersection of Westwood Boulevard. In addition to the Santa Monica Fault, Metro has sought to better understand the West Beverly Hills Lineament. This seismic feature runs north-south through the western part of the City of Beverly Hills near Beverly Hills High School.
Metro analyzed all this data and prepared detailed reports of the findings from all the geotechnical and seismic investigations. The results of these studies are contained in Chapter 4 of the Final EIS/EIR. There are also two technical reports, the Tunneling Safety Report and Fault Investigation Reportthat relate specifically to the findings in the Century City area. There is also a fact sheetsummarizing the findings in the Century City area.
Subways throughout the world have excellent records of withstanding major earthquakes over the last 25 years. They have performed well during earthquakes with no damage or service interruptions, including after the Northridge earthquake in 1994. The Metro Red Line tunnels cross
|
Earthquake |
Date |
Magnitude |
Impact on Subway |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mexico City |
1985 |
8.1 |
No damage to tunnels. Some power disruption. Patrons evacuated safely. Used to transport rescue personnel. |
|
Loma Prieta (SF) |
1989 |
6.9 |
No damage to tunnels. Subway served as lifeline structure. |
|
Northridge |
1994 |
6.7 |
No damage |
|
Kobe, Japan |
1995 |
7.2 |
No damage to tunnels. Damage to station and sewer pipes – attributed to 1962 design with moderate seismic provision |
|
Taipei |
2002 |
6.8 |
No damage |
|
Chile |
2010 |
8.8 |
Running next day. Some damage at entrance to stations |
the Hollywood fault north of the Hollywood & Highland Station.
31. How many jobs will this project create?
The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation issued a report in June 2012 indicating that the construction of the entire nine-mile Purple Line Extension would generate 52,500 jobs within the region.
32. Will the subway ever be extended to the sea?
The currently adopted Long Range Transportation Plan for Los Angeles County commits planned funding to extend the Purple Line to the Westwood/VA Hospital. If new funding sources are identified, Metro could revisit the possibility of extending the line further west.
33. Will there be further opportunities for public input on the project?
During the course of pre-construction, the public will be kept apprised of updates to the project. The project information line 213.922.6934 will remain active as will the project comment site. Metro will also host a series of community meetings during this phase and will continue to meet with key stakeholder organizations as needed.
34. How can I stay involved?
You can opt-in to receive future updates on the project and meeting notices by giving us your contact information on the project comment site. You can leave a phone message for us at the project information line at 213.922.6934. You can also find us on Facebook at or you can follow us on Twitter.
Westside Subway Extension gets a new official name: Purple Line Extension
Westside Subway Extension issues Request for Qualifications for potential builders

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Regional Connector and Westside Subway Extension cleared to enter final design phase
New info and visuals for the Westside Subway Extension — pre-construction work begins s-o-o-n!!!
Metro to hold Westside Subway Extension community update meeting on Oct. 10 at LACMA
Westside Subway Extension flyover video!

Comments may be submitted by:
Online: Complete our electronic Comment/Question Form
By U.S. Mail:
David Mieger, Project Director
DEO, Countywide Planning & Development
Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority
1 Gateway Plaza, M/S 99-22-5
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel: 213.922.6934
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purplelineext@metro.net
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