Metro’s D Line Extension: Full Closure of Wilshire Boulevard for Construction
Beginning March 17, Wilshire Boulevard will be fully closed for three weeks between South Crescent Drive and El Camino Drive as crews work to remove deck panels and restore the roadway, Metro announced.
The deck panels were originally installed to allow traffic to continue along Wilshire while subway tunnels were excavated and the Wilshire/Rodeo Station was constructed underground as part of the D Line Extension Phase 2 project.
The closure, which is expected to last through April 7, will impact multiple bus routes:
- Metro Lines 20/720 will be rerouted via Santa Monica Boulevard, Burton Way, and San Vicente Boulevard, with temporary stops on those streets.
- Metro Line 617 will detour via Santa Monica Boulevard, Century Park East, and Olympic Boulevard, with a temporary stop at Santa Monica and Wilshire boulevards, also serving Line 4 passengers.
Metro has assured that pedestrian access, including ADA-compliant sidewalks, will be maintained, and emergency vehicles will have uninterrupted access. However, parking restrictions will be in effect near the work zone.
The decision to implement a full three-week closure replaces the original plan, which called for 18 separate weekend closures under an agreement between Metro and the City of Beverly Hills. The change is intended to expedite the process and minimize prolonged disruptions.
All construction will be conducted under the necessary permits and approvals from the City of Beverly Hills.
For urgent construction-related concerns, residents and businesses can contact:
- Metro’s 24/7 Hotline: (213) 922-6934
- City of Beverly Hills Customer Service: (310) 285-2467
The D Line Extension is being built in three phases. The first section, between Wilshire/Western and Wilshire/La Cienega, is expected to be completed later this year. The second section extends from Wilshire/La Cienega to Century City, while the third section will run from Century City to the VA Hospital in Westwood.
As with all construction projects, Metro noted that schedules and details are subject to change.
