Metro will temporarily shut down service on the D Line subway between Downtown Los Angeles and Koreatown later this month to facilitate a connection between the existing tracks and the four-mile extension now wrapping up work to the west.

Per a Metro news release, the D Line will be out of service for a total of 70 days - starting on Saturday, May 17 and continuing through Friday, July 25. During that time, service will be suspended at all eight stops served by the D Line from Union Station to Wilshire/Western. However, trains will continue operating on the B Line, which shares track with the D Line between Union Station and Wilshire/Vermont Station before turning north toward Hollywood.

Those looking to take transit from Wilshire/Vermont going west can make use of the Metro Line 855 shuttle in the interim, which will be scheduled to align with B Line trains and make stops and Wilshire/Normandie and Wilshire/Western. The 720 and 20 buses along Wilshire Boulevard will also continue to be available.

Metro reports via The Source that the closure will allow the connection between communication and power systems across the subway tunnel. Tracks, lighting, third rail, and artwork have already been installed, or are in the process of being installed.

The 70-day closure is a painful, but important step toward the completion of the ongoing subway extension - the first phase of which will open later this year with stops at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega. Two additional phases to Century City and the VA Campus are scheduled to open in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

When the full nine-mile extension from Wilshire/Western Station to the VA Campus is completed, Metro projects the D Line will attract 53,000 new daily riders. Those passengers will be able to make the trip between Downtown Los Angeles and the Westside in approximately 30 minutes, which represents a speedier journey than the typical rush hour 10 Freeway commute.

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