Upgrade work on the Metro Blue Line moves to Compton Station this weekend, where crews will make improvements over the next three weeks. Like at stations to the south, Compton will receive new canopies, paint, tile and audio/visual enhancements.

The following service changes will be in affect this weekend on the Metro Blue Line as upgrade work occurs. Friday, Mar. 13 after 9 p.m. through Saturday, Mar. 14 at 8 p.m., trains will run every 15 minutes with bus shuttles replacing rail service between Willowbrook and Del Amo Station. This means southbound Blue Line trains will return north to 7th Street/Metro Center at Willowbrook, and trains originating in Downtown Long Beach Station will travel only as far north as Del Amo. Customers wishing to travel between Willowbrook and Del Amo Station will need to board Metro bus shuttles (marked as “Blue Line Shuttle”) in order to do so. Please note that owing to the extended distance in bus shuttles, extra time will be required for trips between Willowbrook and Del Amo. In addition, Metro Expo Line will run every 15 minutes (as opposed to the usual 10) from 8 p.m. Friday evening to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Saturday, Mar 14. after 8 p.m. through Sunday, Mar. 15 close of service, the Blue Line will run every 20 minutes from 7th Street/Metro Center to Long Beach. There will be no bus shuttles. Expo Line trains will arrive at 10 minute intervals, but will not follow the regular schedule.

Looking ahead to next week, the Blue Line will run every 20 minutes after 8:30 p.m. as work continues at Compton Station. During this time, trains in both directions will board on the same track at Compton and Artesia Station.

Many are already aware that adjustments to Blue Line service this year have been, and will continue to be, necessary for the completion of the Blue Line Upgrades project, a $1.2-billion overhaul including station improvements, track replacement/refurbishment, and even, eventually, new rail cars. Some of the upgrades have already been completed at stations between Del Amo and the Long Beach Loop, and will continue to move north along the Blue Line throughout 2015. The estimated wrap-up date for the entire project is sometime this fall.

That being said, Metro recognizes that these service changes can be a nuisance, and would like to say thank you to all affected customers. The end goal to keep in mind is a safer, more reliable, and re-vamped Metro Blue Line for years to come.

Finally, as construction can be a dynamic process, please check back here at The Source, or follow us @metrolosangeles or @metrolaalerts for the latest Blue Line service updates.