A K-rail work zone on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard near Fairfax Avenue will be in place at least through November. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority is providing updates on work occurring during October on the Purple Line Extension subway project.

Beginning on Oct. 14 and continuing for approximately six months, a K-rail work zone will be implemented on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard between San Vicente and La Cienega boulevards, and along northbound La Cienega Boulevard. During that time, Wilshire will be reduced to two lanes in each direction between San Vicente and La Cienega boulevards, and northbound La Cienega Boulevard will be reduced to two lanes just north of Wilshire Boulevard. The traffic control will support ongoing restoration work including the construction of new curbs, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps and tree wells. A 5-foot-wide walkway will be maintained along the north side of Wilshire Boulevard.

Metro is also completing decking removal on weekends through Nov. 6 at Wilshire La Brea. The work necessitates a full closure of Wilshire Boulevard at La Brea Avenue from Friday at 9 p.m. through 6 a.m. the following Monday. Concrete deck panels will be removed on the surface of Wilshire Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Detroit Street and replaced with a permanent surface. Olympic Boulevard and Sixth Street are recommended as detours.

Work is ongoing at the Wilshire/Fairfax station along Wilshire Boulevard and in a staging area near Wilshire Boulevard and Ogden Drive. A K-rail work zone on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard near Fairfax Avenue will be in place through November. Wilshire Boulevard has been reduced to two lanes in each direction between Spaulding Avenue and San Diego Way. Wilshire Boulevard will also be reduced to two lanes in each direction at La Jolla Avenue through June 2024.

Piling work is also scheduled to begin on Oct. 6 on South Cañon Drive. A full weekend closure of Cañon Drive is anticipated to begin at 8:15 p.m. on Friday night and run through 7 a.m. on Monday morning. Nightly lane closures in both directions may be in place from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Crosswalks and pedestrian access within the work zone will be limited. Signs will be posted to detour pedestrians to nearby crosswalks. Decking activity on South Cañon Drive that will also require a full street closure will begin at a later date.

Excavation is ongoing on South Beverly Drive for the construction of appendage structures, which are rooms and passageways adjacent to the station. The work requires nightly lane closures on South Beverly Drive in both directions from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Near the Century City/Constellation station, utility work and appendage construction continue in October. A sewer and storm drain are being removed from within the project area through the fourth quarter of 2023. Crews are working on the storm drain and sewer 24 hours, Monday through Saturday. Concrete pours for the base invert level of the station and the exterior walls have also begun.

Traffic reconfigurations and lane closures may be in place in the area on Constellation Boulevard. Eastbound and westbound vehicle access on Constellation Boulevard is being maintained between Century Park West and Century Park East. All driveways are accessible in the area.

For questions and concerns about the Purple Line Extension project, call the 24-hour project hotline at (213)922-6934, email the project team at purplelineext@metro.net, or visit metro.net.