LA Metro Upgrades C Line Power for Safer Service
Metro cuts C Line frequency to 20 minutes at Lakewood for overhead power system rehab
C Line Trains Delayed to 20 Minutes at Lakewood
Riders at Lakewood Station now face 20-minute waits for C Line trains as Metro rehabilitates the overhead power system, transit officials said. The work involves replacing the Overhead Catenary System that powers light rail trains along the corridor. Metro announced the service changes December 17 but hasn't provided a completion date for the infrastructure project.
Aging Infrastructure Requires Major Overhaul
The C Line's overhead catenary system is approximately 30 years old, dating back to the line's 1995 opening, according to Metro records. Transit agencies typically rehabilitate overhead power systems every 25 to 40 years as part of federally funded state-of-good-repair programs. Officials said the work is necessary for continued safe operations but didn't specify how many track miles or stations the rehabilitation affects. The project scope and total cost weren't available by publication time.
Service Frequency Cut in Half During Construction
Trains at Lakewood Station now arrive every 20 minutes during the rehabilitation work, compared to the C Line's typical 8-to-12-minute frequency during peak hours. Officials didn't say whether other stations along the corridor are experiencing similar delays or if Lakewood Station is uniquely affected. The agency hasn't released ridership impact figures or specified how many daily passengers face extended commutes. Metro said the work requires reducing service frequency to ensure worker safety during overhead system replacement.
No Timeline Announced for Service Restoration
Metro hasn't announced when normal service frequency will resume at Lakewood Station. Transit officials said they'll release updates through official channels as the project progresses but didn't commit to a specific timeline for completion. The lack of a definitive end date suggests the rehabilitation involves complex infrastructure work that may extend for several months.
Riders Advised to Plan Extra Travel Time
Passengers using Lakewood Station should add at least 10 to 15 minutes to their commutes to account for extended wait times, transit officials said. The agency recommends checking train arrival times before heading to the station. Moovit provides real-time C Line schedules and can help riders plan trips around the current service disruptions.
