Beverly Hills Tells Metro: No Subway Construction On Holidays

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The city has denied Metro's request to work on the Purple Line Extension subway project during upcoming holidays — even though the transit agency claims such a denial could delay the project.

Construction, which is currently focused on the Wilshire/Rodeo Station, is prohibited on holidays unless Metro gets special permission from Beverly Hills. In February, the transit agency asked the city to allow construction to take place on Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, July 4th, Next Night Block Party, Labor Day and Veteran’s Day.

"A rejection of this request could potentially cause a delay to the project and have cost and schedule impacts," project executive Michael McKenna wrote in a letter to the city.

But city staff were unconvinced at the veracity of that claim. Metro's contractor typically doesn't work on Sundays nor on labor union holidays — which together make up the entirety of Metro's requested dates.

"The waiver request does not sufficiently demonstrate how permitting work during the holidays would benefit the public or reduce the overall construction schedule," city staff wrote in a report. "Therefore, staff recommends denying the holiday moratorium waiver request to avoid imposing an unnecessary burden on residents, businesses, and travelers."

The City Council voted unanimously to deny Metro's request last week.