Story perspectives

LA Opens Wilshire Subway, Halving Downtown-Beverly Travel

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

After 65 years of battles, Los Angeles opened the first Wilshire subway segment on Friday.
The D Line extension adds three underground stations along Wilshire, spans 3.92 miles and cost $9.7 billion, funded largely by a 2008 half-cent sales tax.
Construction faced tar-like soils, methane and fossil finds near the La Brea Tar Pits, requiring special tunneling.
Officials say the line will cut downtown-to-Beverly Hills trips from 45 to about 20 minutes, easing parking pressure.

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Story summary

After 65 years of battles, Los Angeles opened the first Wilshire subway segment on Friday.
The D Line extension adds three underground stations along Wilshire, spans 3.92 miles and cost $9.7 billion, funded largely by a 2008 half-cent sales tax.
Construction faced tar-like soils, methane and fossil finds near the La Brea Tar Pits, requiring special tunneling.
Officials say the line will cut downtown-to-Beverly Hills trips from 45 to about 20 minutes, easing parking pressure.