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Metro Board expected to consider project certification this fall as project links Torrance, Redondo Beach directly to LAX and regional rail network
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) today released the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the C Line Extension to Torrance, marking a major milestone in the project. Expanding rail service deeper into the South Bay, from the Metro K Line’s Redondo Beach (Marine) station to the planned Torrance Transit Center station, the project would provide faster and more reliable connections while giving riders a 19-minute trip from Torrance to LAX. The project is funded in part by the voter-approved Measures R and M.
Construction could start as early as 2027, and the extension is estimated to open in 2036.
“This project represents a major step forward for the South Bay and for the entire Metro system,” said Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Council Member Fernando Dutra. “By extending rail service to Torrance, we are giving more Angelenos access to good jobs, faster commutes and cleaner air. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with our community partners to ensure that this project best serves the needs of the community now and for generations to come.”
The FEIR reflects input from more than 2,000 public comments and includes design refinements, clarifications and corrections. Metro also released updated cost estimates and a report about the real estate acquisitions that would be required to complete the project.
All these materials are available on a website designed to make the FEIR easier to navigate. It includes frequently asked questions and a short video to help the public review the report and understand the next steps.
In May 2024, the Metro Board approved the proposed route, the Hybrid Alternative, also known as the Locally Preferred Alternative, to follow Metro’s existing Harbor Subdivision right-of-way. It combines elevated, at-grade (street level) and trench (below street level) sections. At key crossings, such as 170th Street and 182nd Street, the tracks will be placed below roadways in trenches to improve safety, reduce noise and avoid traffic delays for pedestrians and motorists.
Metro also has proposed improvements to an existing freight line to create a safer, quieter rail corridor. By making use of Metro-owned right-of-way, the route minimizes the impact to local property while balancing cost efficiency and community concerns.
The extension will allow riders to travel to Inglewood entertainment venues, including SoFi Stadium, the YouTube Theater, the Kia Forum, Intuit Dome, LAX and downtown Los Angeles with convenient transfers to Metro’s growing rail system serving Santa Monica, East Los Angeles and beyond. The alignment would extend the line approximately 4.5 miles from Redondo Beach (Marine) Station to the Torrance Transit Center and includes two new stations serving Redondo Beach and Torrance. Once in operation, the extension would support more than 11,500 daily trips, attract up to 1.49 million new riders annually and reduce vehicle miles traveled on local roads by nearly 19.5 million miles each year.
By 2045, jobs in the South Bay are projected to grow nearly twice as fast as the population, while congestion could increase by almost 30 percent. The C Line Extension to Torrance offers a cost-effective way to add capacity, ease traffic and strengthen the region’s economy.
The C Line Extension to Torrance is about connecting people and places,” said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “It will allow riders to travel between LAX and Torrance via rail, link local communities to our expanding transit system and provide a faster, more reliable alternative to sitting in traffic.”
The Metro Board of Directors is expected to consider certification of the FEIR and project approval this fall. If approved, Metro will move forward with design and engineering, First/Last Mile planning with cities and preparations for construction. The Final EIR is available online at metro.net/clineext and in print at the following locations during regular business hours:
- Lawndale Library, 14615 Burin Ave., Lawndale, Calif.
- Redondo Beach North Library, 2000 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach, Calif.
- North Torrance Library, 3604 Artesia Blvd., Torrance, Calif.
- Katy Geissert Civic Center Library, 3301 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, Calif.
- Metro Headquarters, Dorothy Peyton Gray Transportation Library, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, Calif.
Since 2021, Metro has engaged South Bay communities through public meetings, virtual briefings, and local events. As the project advances, community outreach will continue through pop-ups and other engagement activities.
For more information or to provide comments, visit metro.net/clineext, email greenlineextension@metro.net, call 213.922.4004, or mail comments to Metro, One Gateway Plaza, MS 99-22-3, Los Angeles, Calif. 90012.
About Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is building the most ambitious transportation infrastructure program in the United States and is working to greatly improve mobility through its Vision 2028 Plan. Metro is the lead transportation planning and funding agency for L.A. County and carries nearly 1 million boardings daily on four light rail and two subway lines and 119 bus lines utilizing 2,000 low-emission buses.
Stay informed by following Metro on The Source and El Pasajero at metro.net, facebook.com/losangelesmetro, x.com/metrolosangeles, x.com/metroLAalerts and instagram.com/metrolosangeles.
