LA Metro Moved Forward on Southeast Gateway Rail
The 14.5-mile light rail extension will add nine stations between Slauson and Artesia by 2035.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Car Types
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LA Metro finalized plans and secured $231 million in state funding for the new Southeast Gateway Line. The project connects Slauson to Artesia, with a proposed 4.8-mile extension to Union Station currently under study.
Why it matters
The expansion aims to integrate the southeast region into the existing rail network, eventually providing 2,800 park-and-ride spaces for commuters. This project marks a significant shift in regional transit infrastructure as the agency moves toward construction.
The line includes nine stations and a C Line infill stop, supported by 29 new light rail vehicles. The total 14.5-mile Slauson-to-Artesia segment is part of a broader network effort compared to the 4.8-mile downtown study area.
The players
LA Metro
The agency responsible for planning, construction, and operation of the transit network in Los Angeles.
Federal Transit Administration
The federal agency that provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems.
Flatiron-Herzog
The primary contractor awarded the construction contract for the Southeast Gateway Line.
The details
The project utilizes a construction manager/general contractor model to manage complex infrastructure needs. Early work includes advanced utility relocation and grade crossing installations, which are necessary to prepare the corridor for the rail system. Flatiron-Herzog will oversee the construction following their contract award in February 2025.
Timeline
April 2024: The Metro Board certified the Final EIS/EIR.
August 2024: The Federal Transit Administration issued the Record of Decision.
October 2024: Metro secured $231 million in state funding and began utility relocation.
February 2025: Metro awarded the construction contract to Flatiron-Herzog.
2035: Project completion is estimated for the full line.
The Home Front
The Southeast Gateway Line follows the standard environmental review mandates required for large-scale urban infrastructure projects. It reflects the region's long-term pivot toward transit-oriented corridors to alleviate congestion.
Commuters living near the Slauson-to-Artesia corridor should monitor utility relocation notices in their neighborhood as work progresses. Families can track project milestones on the agency website to understand potential traffic shifts near future station sites.
The takeaway
The Southeast Gateway Line represents a major infrastructure transition for Los Angeles that will shape regional travel for the next decade. Residents should keep an eye on project notices to stay informed about local construction impacts in the Slauson and Artesia corridors.
What happens next
Metro plans to secure a Full Funding Grant Agreement by 2027 to ensure continued progress toward the 2035 completion date.
Further reading
Learn more about local transit developments on the LA Metro project page.
More information
Find project updates and documentation on the LA Metro project page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railway Supply.
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