LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) marked a major milestone in expanding high-capacity transit across Los Angeles’ Westside with the grand opening of the first section of the Purple Line Extension on May 8.
The opening signals the beginning of passenger service on Section 1, which includes three new stations and approximately four miles of tunnel beneath Wilshire Boulevard.
WSP in the U.S. is serving as engineering management consultant and owner’s engineer for the Purple Line Extension, supporting Metro from early environmental studies through engineering and construction across all three project sections. The extension is one of the largest and most complex transit infrastructure programs in the U.S., with a total forecast investment of approximately $10 billion.
“Reaching this milestone is the result of nearly two decades of sustained collaboration, technical excellence and trust with Metro,” said Ashok Kothari, PE, senior vice president, program management, WSP in the U.S., and project director for the Purple Line Extension. “We began work on this project during the environmental phase in 2007, and now to see completion of the first section decades later, with essentially the same team in place, is incredibly meaningful for all of us.”
Section 1 extends Metro’s subway network west along the Metro D Line from the existing Wilshire/Western Station, adding new service at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega stations. The opening also marks the first time heavy rail transit enters the City of Beverly Hills, providing direct subway access to major cultural and employment destinations along one of the region’s busiest corridors.
Throughout delivery of the Purple Line Extension, WSP has been responsible for engineering oversight, technical reviews, systems coordination, risk management and day-to-day support to Metro through an integrated project team office co-located with the client.
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| Stunning artwork greets riders at the La Cienga Station entrance. |
“WSP has been a trusted partner on the Purple Line Extension for more than 15 years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to delivery and collaboration,” said Timothy Lindholm, Metro chief program management officer. “Ashok’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining a strong, cohesive team throughout the life of the project, and the depth of WSP’s technical expertise and support has been invaluable to Metro in reaching this milestone.”
“This opening represents far more than a construction milestone — it reflects the strength of the partnership between WSP and Metro and unwavering dedication of a team that has stayed committed over many years,” said Joe Sczurko, PE, WSP U.S. region president, and principal-in-charge for the Purple Line project. “We are proud to support a project that improves mobility, reduces congestion and helps prepare the great city of Los Angeles for future global events such as the 2028 Olympic Games.”
Construction and engineering work continues on Sections 2 and 3, which will further extend subway service west to Century City, UCLA and the VA West Los Angeles Medical Center. Full completion of the Purple Line Extension is forecast for 2027.
About WSP in the U.S.
WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in more than 50 countries and employs approximately 83,000 professionals, known as Visioneers. WSP in the U.S.’s team of approximately 27,000 professionals pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects across the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors.
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