Division 20 Portal Widening & Turnback Facility

Metro’s operates both heavy rail and light rail, but they differ in several key ways:  

• Heavy rail (such as the B and D Lines) runs entirely underground or in exclusive rights-of-way, uses high-capacity trains powered by a third rail, and does not share space with cars or pedestrians.  

• Light rail (such as the A, E and K Lines) may run at street level or in medians, uses overhead power lines, and has more frequent crossings and smaller trains.  

This project improves Metro’s heavy rail subway system, including how trains turn around and store near Union Station, to enable more frequent service.  

The Division 20 project supports Link Union Station by enhancing how trains enter, exit and turn around at Union Station. While Link Union Station adds new tracks and run-through service, Division 20 ensures Metro’s subway fleet can move efficiently through the area. Together, they modernize Union Station and increase reliability across the broader transit network.  

Metro is using a range of strategies to reduce disruptions, including noise and vibration monitoring, dust control and scheduling work during less disruptive hours. Construction workers are prohibited from using street parking and laydown areas are located within the rail yard to avoid interfering with nearby traffic. Community updates are shared regularly. 

The project includes streetscape upgrades along Center Street, including new landscaping, lighting and trees. These improvements are designed to soften the rail yard’s perimeter and create a pleasant experience for pedestrians near the Arts District. Metro has also upgraded the existing bike lanes with fresh striping to improve visibility and safety for everyone.  

Cultural resource mitigation is the process of identifying, documenting, and where possible, preserving historic structures or sites affected by construction. For this project, Metro is stabilizing a portion of the Citizens Warehouse building and documenting its historical significance. Similar efforts are underway for the National Ice and Cold Storage facility and portions of the 1st Street Bridge, with public documentation and interpretive materials to follow.