Phase 1 Of L.A. Metro’s D Line Extension Is Due To Open In March — Here’s The Route Map

Los Angeles Metro’s novel D Line Subway Extension is highly anticipated for travelers, who are looking forward to traveling across 9 new miles of rail in 25 minutes from Downtown L.A. To Westwood.

The extension is due to open in 3 phases, the first of which runs from Wilshire/Western to Wilshire/La Cienega. According to the latest updates from L.A. Metro, the Phase 1 section should open in March 2026.

Phase 1 to Wilshire/La Cienega

The D Line Subway Extension is being constructed in three phases with three different estimated opening dates.

Phase 1 comprises the Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega stations.

A project schedule from a February 11th community meeting still lists a “winter 2026” opening date for Phase 1, which sources including LAist and LA Business Journal have defined as January, February, or March of 2026.

Barring any new changes or delays, the D Line extension to Wilshire/La Cienega may open within the next month.

LA Metro D line extension map
L.A. Metro D Line Extension map

The February 11th community meeting presentation also provided updates about work on the D Line extension, pending design and City of Beverly Hills approval, including center-lane work and curb and gutter restoration at Wilshire around the La Cienega station, and median restoration at Wilshire and San Vicente.

Once Phase 1 stations open, travelers will have a new way to travel 3.92 miles through mid-Wilshire starting at Western Avenue.

2027 opening dates for Phases 2 and 3

The full D Line extension will reach 9 miles all the way to Westwood. L.A. Metro has shared projected opening times for the remaining sections.

Section 2, consisting of the Beverly Drive and Century City stations, is due to open in the spring of 2027.

Section 3, which includes the Westwood/UCLA and Westwood/VA Hospital stations, is expected to open in the fall of 2027.

Did You Know? The D Line Subway Extension will eventually span 9 miles, offering a 25-minute journey from Downtown L.A. To Westwood.
Expert Insight: Phased openings are common with large infrastructure projects like this. They allow for the benefits of completed sections to be realized while work continues on others, but also introduce the potential for disruption as riders adjust to the evolving system.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Phase 1 of the D Line Extension expected to open?

Phase 1, running from Wilshire/Western to Wilshire/La Cienega, is expected to open in March 2026, though a February 11th project schedule indicated a “winter 2026” opening.

How long will the full D Line Extension be?

The full D Line Extension will be 9 miles long, stretching from Downtown L.A. To Westwood.

When are the later phases of the D Line Extension expected to open?

Section 2, including Beverly Drive and Century City stations, is due to open in the spring of 2027. Section 3, with the Westwood/UCLA and Westwood/VA Hospital stations, is expected in the fall of 2027.

As the D Line Subway Extension progresses, will it significantly alter transportation options for Los Angeles residents?

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