LA Metro Approves Underground Rail Through Sepulveda Pass
LA Metro board approves underground rail through Sepulveda Pass to connect Valley and Westside
LA Metro Approves Underground Rail Through Pass
Los Angeles commuters will get a new underground rail connection through Sepulveda Pass after LA Metro's board approved the project Thursday. Transit officials said the line will link the San Fernando Valley to the Westside, providing the first rail alternative to the congested 405 Freeway corridor. The agency didn't immediately release cost estimates or specific station locations.
Context & Background
The Sepulveda Pass corridor ranks among the most congested freeway segments in the nation, with commuters regularly facing hours of delays on the 405. Transit officials said the underground rail option emerged as the preferred alternative after years of planning and community input. Specific ridership projections for the new line weren't available by publication time. The project represents Metro's latest effort to expand rail service across Los Angeles County, where the agency operates six rail lines covering more than 100 miles.
Key Details
Officials outlined the general scope of the underground alignment but didn't provide detailed specifications about tunnel depth, station count, or exact route miles. The project will require boring through the Santa Monica Mountains, according to the transit agency. Engineering studies for the tunnel construction are underway, though officials haven't said when detailed technical reports will be released. Metro representatives said the underground option was selected over surface and elevated alternatives due to geographic constraints and community preferences.
Timeline & Implementation
The board's approval allows Metro to advance the project into preliminary engineering and environmental review phases, transit officials said. A specific construction start date wasn't provided, and officials didn't announce when the line might open to riders. Major rail projects in Los Angeles typically require a decade or more from approval to operation. The agency said it will release more detailed timeline information as planning progresses.
Rider Impact & Moovit
The new rail line will eventually provide Valley and Westside residents with a direct transit connection that bypasses freeway congestion, though officials haven't said how travel times will compare to current bus service or driving. Metro plans to hold public meetings about the project in coming months, but specific dates for community input sessions weren't available. Riders can track current Metro rail and bus service through Moovit, which provides real-time arrival information and trip planning for the Los Angeles transit system.
