Subway Testing Begins on Wilshire as Construction Walls Come Down

Los Angeles, CA · April 13, 2026

Welcome back to the work week. If you’re heading west from the desert this morning, pack your patience—and maybe an extra espresso—as the post-Coachella exodus hits the I-10 freeway with full force. Locally, the commute looks a bit different today as the new protected bike lanes on Venice Boulevard are officially open, and the long-standing construction barriers near Wilshire and La Brea have finally been pushed back, giving us a little more breathing room on the road.

The Lead

The "Subway to the Sea" is feeling a lot less like a myth and more like a commute reality this morning. Metro officials confirmed over the weekend that the first phase of the D Line Extension—stretching from Western Avenue to La Cienega—is now 90% complete. For those of us who have spent years navigating the maze of concrete K-rails and "Business Open" signs along Wilshire Boulevard, the light at the end of the tunnel is finally visible.

Starting today, testing of the new underground power systems will ramp up, which means you’ll see increased activity around the La Brea and Fairfax stations. While we aren't boarding the trains just yet, the removal of several major street-level barriers is scheduled to continue through the week, promising the smoothest drive through the Miracle Mile we’ve seen in years. It’s a massive milestone for a project that aims to eventually link downtown to UCLA by the time the world arrives for the 2028 Games.

Local Pulse

  • Echo Park Lake Spring Hours The swan boats are staying out later starting today. With the sunset pushing past 7:00 PM, rental hours have been extended to accommodate those looking for a post-work paddle. It’s a quiet way to see the skyline as the lights come on.

  • LAUSD Late Start Monday A quick reminder for parents and commuters alike: most local public schools are on a late-start schedule today for staff development. Expect the usual school-zone traffic patterns to shift about ninety minutes later than your Tuesday-through-Friday routine.

  • Griffith Observatory Trail Maintenance The popular West Trail leading up from Fern Dell will have intermittent closures today for erosion repair following last week's light rains. Rangers suggest using the East Observatory Trail if you’re planning a morning hike to avoid the work crews.

Today's Outlook

  • High 74°F · Low 56°F
    • It’s a classic spring day in the basin. Expect some morning "June Gloom" (arriving a bit early this year) to burn off by 11:00 AM, leaving us with clear skies and a gentle breeze for the afternoon.

What's On Around Town

  • Hollywood Bowl Museum Open House Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM A great free Monday activity; explore the "100 Years of Summer" exhibit without the concert crowds. The walk up the hill is peaceful when the stage is quiet.

  • West Hollywood: Sunset Strip Walking Tour Mondrian Los Angeles (Meeting Point), 8440 Sunset Blvd 2:00 PM A guided look at the architectural history of the Strip, from Art Deco towers to the legendary rock clubs that defined the 70s.

  • Monday Night Residency: Local Emerging Artists The Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd 8:00 PM A long-standing neighborhood tradition. Catch three local bands for a low cover charge—it’s the best way to discover who will be headlining festivals two years from now.

  • Pasadena: Trivia Night at Lucky Baldwin’s Lucky Baldwin's Pub, 17 S Raymond Ave 8:00 PM A short trip to Old Town for one of the most competitive trivia nights in the area. Show up early if you want a table near the taps.

  • Monday Night Jazz The Falls Lounge, 626 S Spring St 9:00 PM Wind down the first day of the week with a live quartet in a dim, plush setting. No cover, just a two-drink minimum and a very cool atmosphere.

Spotlight & Story

  • Musso & Frank Grill
    • Since 1919, this Hollywood Boulevard institution has served as the unofficial office for everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Raymond Chandler. While the red leather booths and flannel-clad servers feel frozen in time, the kitchen remains a powerhouse of consistency. Did you know it was the first restaurant in Hollywood to have a private telephone? They installed a booth specifically so stars could take calls away from the prying eyes of the silent film era's paparazzi.

Los Angeles Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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