Upgrade work continues on the Metro Blue Line this weekend with vital track maintenance slated for a switch, or crossover point, between Artesia and Del Amo Station. Due to its location on the crossover, the work will require a full closure of both tracks between the two stations. This means that starting this Friday, April 24 after 8:30 p.m. through Sunday, April 26 close of service, bus shuttles will replace rail service between Artesia and Del Amo Station.
Southbound Blue Line trains will return north to 7th Street/Metro Center at Artesia, and trains originating in Downtown Long Beach Station will travel only as far north as Del Amo. Customers wishing to travel between Artesia and Del Amo will need to board Metro bus shuttles (marked as “Blue Line Shuttle”) in order to do so.
In addition to the bus shuttles between Artesia and Del Amo, work this weekend will require the following changes to Metro Blue and Expo Line service levels. (These changes are also posted on our Planned Service Advisories page.)
To begin, this Friday after 8:30 p.m. through close of service, Blue Line will run every 20 minutes between 7th St/Metro Center and Artesia, and every 15 minutes between Del Amo and Downtown Long Beach Station. Expo Line will operate every 10 minutes until close, beginning at approximately 8 p.m., but trains will not arrive at their regularly-scheduled times.
Saturday, open to close of service, Blue Line trains will run every 20 minutes between 7th St/Metro Center and Artesia, and every 15 minutes between Del Amo and Downtown Long Beach Station. Expo Line trains will arrive every 12 minutes throughout the day.
On Sunday, for the entire service day, Blue Line will operate every 20 minutes between 7th Street/Metro Center and Artesia, and every 15 minutes between Del Amo and Downtown Long Beach, with Expo Line again running every 12 minutes from open to close.
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 Compton 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 updated Metro Blue Line for years to come.
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.
Categories: Service Alerts