The Metro Board selected an underground heavy rail option on Jan. 22 as the locally preferred alternative for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project.

The move marks a key milestone for the critical infrastructure investment, which is expected to transport riders between the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles in less than 20 minutes.

Once implemented, the project will connect the Metrolink Van Nuys Station to the Metro E Line, drastically reducing commute times that can take 40-80 minutes by vehicle. Additionally, a trip from Van Nuys (G Line) to Westwood (D Line) on the Sepulveda Transit Corridor would take approximately 10 minutes, reducing similar and unpredictably long commute times. The project would provide regional access and connect Metro’s growing rail transit network with connections to the Metro D, E, G and East San Fernando Valley Lines, Van Nuys Metrolink Station and UCLA. The safe, fast and reliable trip is anticipated to drive high ridership, translating to economic, environmental, health and mobility benefits for the entire Los Angeles region.

“A direct rail connection through the Sepulveda Pass will connect people to jobs, schools, airports and entertainment faster than ever,” Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Councilman Fernando Dutra said. “This project will cut travel time, reduce air pollution and is the kind of bold, forward-looking investment that moves Los Angeles County into the future.”

The Sepulveda Corridor is a vital link for the communities of greater Los Angeles, connecting residents in the San Fernando Valley to West L.A.’s bustling employment and educational hubs and cultural landmarks. The natural barrier created by the Santa Monica Mountains makes traveling between the San Fernando Valley and West L.A. difficult, unpredictable and slow.

Metro released a draft environmental impact report last summer evaluating five alternatives for a fast, reliable rail transit option through the Sepulveda Pass. The Metro Board selected Modified Alternative 5 for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project based on technical evaluation and community and stakeholder input. During the public comment period for the project’s DEIR, Metro collected more than 8,000 public comment submissions.

With the preferred alternative selected, Metro will focus efforts on conducting additional design refinement and community engagement to move forward into the next phase of the environmental review process. The timeline has not been set, but estimates place the project’s completion in the mid-2030s.

“This is a historic moment for transportation in Los Angeles,” Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said. “The Sepulveda Corridor Project is one of the most ambitious transportation investments in our region’s history and will redefine how millions of people travel across Los Angeles. With [this] action, we are entering the next chapter of our transit revolution.”

For information, visit metro.net /stc.