Wilshire Boulevard Closure Completed Ahead of Schedule

Categories: Business NewsConstructionNewsTransport

Construction on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, facilitating the D Line extension project.

News Summary

Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills has reopened a day earlier than expected after a three-week construction shutdown to facilitate the D Line extension project. The temporary closure affected the area between El Camino Drive and Crescent Drive, allowing crucial infrastructure improvements. While local businesses reported reduced foot traffic during this period, the early completion of the project was aided by efficient planning, leading to relief for local commuters. The D Line extension aims to enhance public transit options and ease congestion in the Los Angeles area.

Wilshire Boulevard Closure Completed Ahead of Schedule in Beverly Hills

In a surprising turn of events, Beverly Hills’ Wilshire Boulevard reopened a day earlier than planned after a three-week construction shutdown. The closure, which began to improve the infrastructure for the D Line extension project, was lifted on April 6, rather than the initially scheduled April 7.

What Happened During the Closure?

This temporary shutdown impacted the stretch of Wilshire Boulevard between El Camino Drive and Crescent Drive. The Beverly Hills City Council approved this significant construction effort in early February. The work was crucial for the Wilshire/Rodeo station project, which is part of a larger initiative to enhance the public transit experience in Los Angeles.

The Wilshire/Rodeo station is one of two new stops being added in the second phase of the D Line extension project, set to welcome passengers by 2026. With the goal of connecting downtown Los Angeles to the Westside, this ambitious project will ultimately open up a total of seven new stations. The stretch is expected to ease congestion and provide new transit options for residents and visitors alike.

Why the Early Completion?

Thanks to efficient planning and execution, the project wrapped up ahead of schedule. Metro officials had set aside contingency weekends for late April and May, but those will not be necessary, leading to some relief for local commuters. Interestingly, this continuous 21-day shutdown was the longest period of uninterrupted construction since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, a deal between Metro and the city back in 2019 initially anticipated construction over 18 weekends but was ultimately modified to optimize for continuous work.

Impact on Local Businesses

Local retailers noted that the visibility of signage indicating that businesses remained open was poorly executed. Many described the situation as “like a maze” for customers trying to navigate around the construction area, complicating their shopping experience.

Feedback and Community Concerns

The Bigger Picture: D Line Extension Project

The long-term vision for the D Line Extension is quite ambitious. The first segment of this extensive project is slated to open in 2025, bridging the route between Wilshire Western and Wilshire La Cienega. This section will include three stations: Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega.

Then, Section 2 will add both the Wilshire/Rodeo and Century City/Constellation stations, preparing for their debut in 2026. The final phase, consisting of the Westwood/UCLA and Westwood/VA Hospital stations, is targeted for completion by 2027.