A panel of judges made up of local community leaders helped select the tunnel boring machine (TBM) art and contest naming finalists last week from 175-plus entries from across Los Angeles County. This is for the art and names that will adorn the TBMs that will be used to dig the project’s second section between Wilshire/La Cienega Station, downtown Beverly Hills and Century City. 

Now it’s time for L.A. County residents to decide on their top choices. The polls will be open through April 30, 2019. Cast your votes here! 

TBM Art Contest Finalists: 

• Submitted by Angela Tsai, Grade 1

• Submitted by Claire Michaud, Grade 3

• Submitted by Hans Smallwood, Grade 3

• Submitted by Khivi Grewel, Grade 1

• Submitted by Cheryl Wang, Grade 1

TBM Naming Contest Finalists:  

• Name for TBM 1: Edith | Name for TBM 2: Hedy
  Submitted by Alexandra Kolodziej, Grade 7
• Name for TBM 1: Toph | Name for TBM 2: Suki
  Submitted by Amber Wang, Grade 9
• Name for TBM 1: Ada | Name for TBM 2: Hedy
  Submitted by Madison Aliano, Grade 7
• Name for TBM 1: Harriet | Name for TBM 2: Ruth
  Submitted by Ruby Santa Maria, Grade 6
• Name for TBM 1: Andromeda | Name for TBM 2: Marilyn
  Submitted by Scout Brodsky, Grade 8

The winning art and name will be displayed on the side of the huge TBMs during the Purple Line Extension Section 2 unveiling ceremony that is anticipated to happen this summer.  

The winners of the contest will also receive prizes, a commemorative Metro TAP card (valued at $100), recognition from local elected officials and more.  

The judging committee included: Monica Molina, Council Deputy and School Liaison, Council District 5; Zale Richards Rubin, President, Beverly Hills Fine Art Commission; Nancy Wood, President and CEO, Century City Chamber of Commerce; Susan Bursk, Government Affairs Liaison, Century City Business Improvement District (BID); and Louis Schillace, Senior General Manager, Westfield Century City.  

The nine-mile Purple Line Extension Project is being constructed in three sections. The second section, currently under construction, will extend the subway 2.59 miles. It is expected to begin operations by 2025 and will connect Beverly Hills to Century City.