L.A. Metro resumes operation of D Line Subway prior to the wrapping-up of Phase 1 of the D Line Subway Extension Endeavor
D Line Subway Extension Project Nears Completion in Los Angeles
After several years of construction and anticipation, the first phase of the D Line Subway Extension Project in Los Angeles is nearing completion. The extension, which began in 2014, will extend the D Line from Wilshire/Western Station nearly four miles west, adding three new stations at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega stations.
The line was closed from May 17 to July 25, 2025, for intensive construction and system integration work. During this time, the L.A. Metro conducted extensive testing of the computer systems regulating the underground subway environment, including air quality and ventilation, to ensure a smooth operation once service resumed.
As of late July 2025, the first phase is effectively complete and operational. Metro has stated that final connection of power, ventilation, train control, and signalization systems is ongoing to ensure smooth operation throughout. Remaining work includes station finishes, street restoration, and system testing.
The D Line Subway Extension Project is part of a larger project expected to open in segments from 2025 through 2027 or 2028. Automatic Train Control has been installed on the system, allowing the agency to track the precise position of trains and their relative positions. Crossovers, approximately 300 feet long, have been installed at Wilshire/La Brea and Wilshire/La Cienega stations for emergency situations.
The extension project is being constructed by a joint venture among Skanska, Traylor Brothers, and Shea Construction. Both the existing A6500 trains and the new HR4000s trains have been tested, with the new trains running with large, water-filled containers to simulate passenger weight.
The D Line Subway Extension Project is the longest tunneling project through tar-infested sands ever in the U.S. Despite the challenges, the project is on track to open Phase 1 this fall, with the remaining phases anticipated to open in 2026 and 2027.
The D Line trains currently run every 12 minutes from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Once the extension is complete, commuters can expect improved service and reduced travel times. The L.A. Metro reopened the Purple (D Line) Subway on July 26, 2021, marking a significant milestone in the project's progress.
In summary, Phase 1 is effectively complete and operational as of late July 2025, marking the anticipated completion timeframe as mid to late 2025. The extension project is set to bring significant improvements to public transportation in Los Angeles, reducing travel times and improving service for commuters.
- The D Line Subway Extension Project, a key infrastructure development in the transportation industry, is poised to revolutionize public-transit in Los Angeles.
- The extension project, which involves three new stations, will not only enhance existing train lines but also improve financial efficiency by reducing travel times for commuters.
- With the involvement of skilled construction firms like Skanska, Traylor Brothers, and Shea Construction, the project's success underscores the importance of robust finance and engineering in the transportation sector.
