Metro Approves Disputed Subway Stop Into Westside

Plans were approved Thursday to dig a tunnel under Beverly Hills High School as part of the Purple Line subway's extension into the Westside.

In approving the plans with a 7-2 vote, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority rejected the city of Beverly Hills' claims that the planned route for tunneling under the school campus was not as safe as  alternate routes.

The board has already approved the extension of the subway to La Cienega Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard.

When the $5.6 billion extension of the Purple Line is complete, riders will be able to travel from downtown to Westwood in 25 minutes, according to Metro officials, who predict an average 49,300 weekday boardings.

For full coverage of Thursday's Metro board meeting, visit Westwood-Century City Patch and Beverly Hills Patch.