LA Metro Approves K Line Northern Extension

Former Mayor Villaraigosa calls it a 'promise kept' for LA residents

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:35am

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The Los Angeles Metro Board has approved the long-anticipated K Line Northern Extension, a major expansion that will connect the current K Line north from the Expo/Crenshaw Station toward Hollywood and link it to other major transit lines. The $11-$14 billion project is expected to transform transportation across the city by reducing traffic and providing faster, more reliable transit options.

Why it matters

The K Line Northern Extension is a critical infrastructure project that will improve access and mobility for underserved communities in South LA, Mid-City, West Hollywood, and Hollywood. It fulfills a promise made by former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to invest in transit and connect these neighborhoods.

The details

The extension will expand the current K Line north, eventually connecting it to the B Line and D Line. Metro is evaluating several route options, including alignments along Fairfax, La Brea, and San Vicente corridors. The project is expected to take years to complete, with construction timelines still to be finalized.

  • The LA Metro Board approved the K Line Northern Extension on March 26, 2026.

The players

Antonio Villaraigosa

Former Mayor of Los Angeles who championed the Measure R sales tax initiative to fund transit projects like the K Line Northern Extension.

LA Metro

The public transportation agency for Los Angeles County that oversees and operates the region's rail and bus systems, including the approval and construction of the K Line Northern Extension.

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What they’re saying

“Today is a great day for Los Angeles. This extension fulfills a promise I made to the people of this city to invest in transit and connect underserved communities.”

— Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Mayor of Los Angeles

What’s next

Metro will now finalize the route alignments and construction timelines for the K Line Northern Extension project.

The takeaway

The approval of the K Line Northern Extension represents a major step forward in improving public transit and transportation access for communities across Los Angeles. It demonstrates the city's commitment to investing in infrastructure that can reduce traffic, connect neighborhoods, and provide more reliable mobility options for residents.