Westside subway construction: the basics

Metro has posted a six-page fact sheet (via The Source) on construction of the Westside subway extension, a project whose future is tied to decisions yet to be made in Congress. Construction of tunnels and stations could begin as early as 2013, which is just about the time that the rebuild of the Wilshire interchange at the 405 freeway will be done. Here are some of the highlights:

• Planning and environmental analysis began in 2007.
• If funding comes through and the environmental review process gets done, early utility relocation and removal of "paleontological resources (fossils)" near the La Brea Tar Pits could start in 2012.
• If the project is extended to Westwood from the get-go, construction could "potentially be completed by 2022." If the line is built in two phases, it might not reach Westwood before 2036.
• Stations are usually built 50-60 feet below ground and are the most disruptive to everyday life during construction. Station construction is expected to last 5 to 7 years.
• Some of the tunnels will be 130 feet deep, much deeper than normal.