Sepulveda transit corridor: Underground metro set as preferred

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has selected an underground metro alternative for the Sepulveda transit corridor, a planned link between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside.

Sepulveda transit corridor underground metro option

Metro identified the underground metro option as its preferred choice over constructing a monorail along the same route, as reported by Railway Supply. Also, the concept is an automated metro line more than 22 km long with eight stations.

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Meanwhile, under Measure M, up to USD 9.5 billion could be allocated. That total includes USD 5.7 billion for the Valley–Westside section and $3.8 billion for a future connection to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Travel times and connections across Sepulveda Pass

At the same time, Metro described the decision as a key milestone for what it calls the region’s most significant infrastructure investment, which is expected to transport passengers between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside in less than 20 minutes once implemented, according to Metro’s project update.

Under the plan, the Sepulveda Transit Corridor would connect Van Nuys Station, part of the commuter rail network, to the Metro E Line, cutting journey times that can take 40 to 80 minutes by car. In addition, a trip from Van Nuys on the G Line to Westwood on the D Line via the Sepulveda corridor would take about 10 minutes, reducing similarly long and unpredictable commutes, as noted by Railway Gazette.

Draft Environmental Impact Report and the preferred alternative

Separately, Metro says the project will provide regional access and connect LA Metro’s expanding rail network, with links to the D, E, G and East San Fernando Valley lines, as well as Van Nuys Station and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The agency expects the safe, fast and reliable service to attract high ridership and generate economic, environmental, health and mobility benefits for the region.

The Sepulveda transit corridor is presented as a vital connection for communities across greater Los Angeles, linking residents in the San Fernando Valley with the Westside’s major employment and education centres as well as cultural landmarks. Metro notes that the Santa Monica Mountains create a natural barrier that makes travel between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside difficult, unpredictable and slow.

Last summer, Metro released a Draft Environmental Impact Report evaluating five build alternatives for a fast, reliable rail transit option through Sepulveda Pass. The preferred alternative was selected following technical evaluation and substantial input from the community and stakeholders.

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