Beverly Hills Extends Closure of North Cañon Drive Until March 2026 Amid Metro Construction
The Beverly Hills City Council has voted to extend the closure of North Cañon Drive at Wilshire Boulevard until March 14, 2026, citing ongoing construction of Metro’s Wilshire/Rodeo Station as part of the D-Line extension project. The decision, reached on September 9 with a 4-1 vote, pushes the reopening date back by more than five months.
Why the Extension Was Approved
The intersection has been closed since 2019, with Metro initially permitted to keep it closed until September 2025. According to a city staff report, reopening the street early could create unpredictable traffic patterns, require constant lane changes, and disrupt nearby parking and valet services. “Reopening the street early would result in unpredictable traffic patterns, requiring frequent changes … including lane closures and turn restrictions,” the report noted. Public Works Director Shana Epstein said the March 14 reopening date minimizes disruption and reduces the need for additional lane closures.Key Conditions and Penalties
Metro has agreed to reopen the intersection by 7 a.m. on March 14, 2026 — just one day before the 98th Academy Awards. The nearby Vanity Fair Oscars Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center adds pressure to meet this deadline. If Metro misses the target, it will pay $20,000 per day to the city.Differing Views on the Extension
While many business owners supported the extension to avoid ongoing disruptions, some voiced frustration at Metro’s management of the project.Todd Johnson, CEO of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, said the extension was necessary to reduce strain on surrounding businesses.
Developer Dar Mahboubi criticized Metro’s construction as “grossly mismanaged” and said it caused “irreparable interruption” to local commerce.
Vice Mayor John Mirisch, the lone dissenting vote, argued the city should have negotiated direct compensation for businesses affected by the prolonged closure. “It just seems like we’re afraid to try and negotiate with them or even to play hardball,” Mirisch said.
Holiday Moratorium Request Denied
In addition to the closure extension, the council denied Metro’s request to work during the holiday moratorium between Nov. 27, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026. While Metro can continue work in underground areas, no construction will be allowed at street level during that period. Council members said the moratorium waiver would not significantly speed up construction. Last year’s approval of a waiver was tied to Metro building a public safety kiosk at the Wilshire/La Cienega Station — a concession not offered this time. “When they’re not giving us anything and it’s not going to speed it up, it just didn’t pay to waive the moratorium,” said Councilman Lester Friedman.Mayor Sharona Nazarian acknowledged the challenges but emphasized safety and collaboration: “My only hope is that we create the safest environment possible both on the Metro as well as the space outside of the Metro.”
