Nossaman Congratulates the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Selecting Underground Heavy Rail Option as the Locally Preferred Alternative for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project
We congratulate the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) on its recent milestone bringing Los Angeles one step closer to a direct rail connection that will make travel much faster and easier through the Sepulveda Pass, one of the most notoriously congested corridors in the country. On January 22, 2026, the Metro Board selected an underground heavy rail option as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project. This move marks a key milestone for the region’s most critical infrastructure investment, which is expected to transport riders between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside in less than 20 minutes.
Once implemented, the project would connect the Metrolink Van Nuys Station to the Metro E Line drastically reducing commute times that can take 40 to 80 minutes by car. Additionally, a trip from Van Nuys (at the G Line) to Westwood (at the D Line) on the Sepulveda Transit Corridor would take about 10 minutes, reducing similar and unpredictably long commute times. The project would provide regional access and connect Metro’s growing rail transit network with connections to the Metro D, E, G and East San Fernando Valley Lines, Van Nuys Metrolink Station and UCLA. This safe, fast, reliable trip is anticipated to drive high ridership translating to economic, environmental, health and mobility benefits for the entire region.
“A direct rail connection through the Sepulveda Pass will connect people to jobs, schools, airports and entertainment faster than ever,” said Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Councilmember Fernando Dutra. “This project will cut travel time, reduce air pollution and is the kind of bold, forward-looking investment that moves Los Angeles County into the future.”
A Nossaman team led by Shant Boyajian and Andrée Blais serves as lead outside counsel to Metro on the project.
The Los Angeles Times, the Daily News, the Santa Monica Daily Press, CBS News, Fox 11 Los Angeles, Railway Supply and many other media outlets covered the announcement (subscriptions may be required).
