Metro's Torrance Rail Extension Moves Forward

The long-planned K Line extension to Torrance is advancing through preliminary engineering, with field investigations beginning October 19, 2026.

The work is part of Metro's effort to extend light rail service from the existing Redondo Beach (Marine) Station to the Torrance Transit Center.

The planned extension includes approximately 4.7 miles of new track and two new stations, creating another transit connection for South Bay residents.

What Is Metro Doing Now?

According to Metro's October 14 construction notice, contractors will conduct surveys, geotechnical investigations, and underground utility assessments along portions of the proposed route.

The work may involve:

• Surveying existing roadway and rail-corridor conditions.
• Collecting soil samples and evaluating underground conditions.
• Identifying utilities that could affect future construction.
• Examining roadways and traffic conditions.
• Conducting potholing investigations to confirm conditions beneath the surface.

These activities provide engineers with information needed to refine the project's design.

Metro anticipates that the initial work along the railroad right-of-way, between Redondo Beach Station and Inglewood Boulevard, will begin October 19 and last approximately four weeks, without public impacts.

When Will Torrance Drivers Be Affected?

The most significant local detail concerns upcoming work along Hawthorne Boulevard.

Metro's current schedule anticipates investigative work on northbound Hawthorne Boulevard between 177th Street and 190th Street beginning as early as January 18, 2027.

That work is expected to continue for approximately six weeks.

During scheduled work hours, motorists could encounter:

• Closure of a northbound left-turn pocket and one traffic lane at 178th and 182nd Streets.
• Closure of two northbound lanes south of 186th Street.
• Temporary traffic adjustments while crews complete investigations.

Metro says through traffic will be maintained on Hawthorne Boulevard, with no more than two lanes closed at a time.

Normal work hours are expected to be Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What Will the Completed Project Provide?

Metro approved the Hawthorne Boulevard alignment in January 2026.

The planned route will eventually connect the existing K Line infrastructure to the Torrance Transit Center, with a station serving the South Bay Galleria area.

The project is intended to provide another transportation option for South Bay residents and improve connections to the regional Metro network, including access to Los Angeles International Airport through connecting services.

However, the project remains in the engineering and design stages, and the full extension is not yet under construction.

What Torrance Residents Should Watch

Residents who regularly travel Hawthorne Boulevard should pay particular attention as the January 2027 work period approaches.

Construction schedules can change, and individual closures may be adjusted as field conditions become clearer.

Metro encourages residents to follow official project notices for updated schedules and traffic information.

For now, the October investigations represent another step in advancing a major South Bay transportation project—one that could eventually change how Torrance residents travel throughout Los Angeles County.

For work schedules and closure details, visit Metro's official K Line Field Investigation Notice.