Antelope Valley Line Improvements

Improving Metrolink connections between LA and the Antelope Valley.

Illustration of Antelope Valley Line Capacity and Service Improvements Program with Metrolink train and passengers on platform at station.

Project Type

Better Transit

Current Phase

Environmental Review

Antelope Valley Line Capacity and Service Improvements Program Project Map

Metro has a plan to make it easier to get around with increased rail service along the entire Antelope Valley Line (AVL) corridor. In collaboration with Metrolink and local jurisdictions, this program focuses on targeted infrastructure improvements to support more frequent, reliable train service between Union Station and Lancaster.

The effort includes extending track segments, upgrading terminals, and expanding storage capacity—enhancing the corridor’s ability to serve growing communities across the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and Antelope Valley. Key project elements include:

A double track extension near Balboa Boulevard to improve service flow and reduce bottlenecks
A siding extension and safety enhancements near Golden Oak Road in Santa Clarita
Terminal upgrades in Lancaster, including additional layover tracks, pedestrian improvements, and operator facilities

To address community concerns and evaluate broader cumulative impacts, Metro conducted a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR), finalized in 2021.

About this project

Understand the Program

Learn about the environmental considerations and community input that helped shape the project scope.

Read the Final EIR

Project News

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Antelope Valley Line Capacity and Service Improvements Program?

This program supports infrastructure upgrades that allow Metrolink to improve commuter rail service between Downtown Los Angeles and Lancaster. By extending track segments, expanding storage and upgrading terminals, the project enhances reliability, operational flexibility and rider experience across the corridor. The Antelope Valley Line currently serves more than 4,300 weekday boardings—and these improvements are designed to support future growth, reduce car trips and better connect communities in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley.

What changes are proposed as part of this program?

The program includes infrastructure upgrades designed to support more frequent, bi-directional Metrolink service. Proposed elements include:

A double track extension near Balboa Boulevard to reduce delays and improve service reliability
An 8,400-foot siding extension near Golden Oak Road in Santa Clarita, with improved road crossings and pedestrian safety features
Lancaster Terminal enhancements, such as new train layover tracks, pedestrian access upgrades, operator support facilities, and safer rail crossings

These improvements are located within existing railroad rights-of-way and are designed to boost operational efficiency without the need for major new land acquisition.

How will this project impact local communities?

The project is designed to reduce train delays and increase reliability. Construction may cause temporary disruptions near work zones, but Metro is implementing traffic and noise mitigation plans to minimize impacts.

What are the design options being considered for each site?

Each of the three proposed improvement areas includes optional design features to increase flexibility and improve safety:

Canyon Siding Extension: Two station design options are under consideration. One features a second side platform with a pedestrian underpass; the other proposes an island platform with a new underpass connecting to the station parking area.
Lancaster Terminal Improvements: Three options are under study for the new island platform—one with an underpass, one with an overpass, and one with at-grade crossings at either end.
Balboa Double Track Extension: No alternate designs are currently proposed, but final design may include retaining structures to stay within the existing right-of-way.

These options are intended to provide operational flexibility and meet safety and accessibility goals across different station environments.

How is this program funded?

The program is supported by a combination of local and state funding. In 2019, the North Los Angeles County Transportation Coalition committed up to $113.8 million in Measure M subregional funds to initiate the program. In 2020, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) awarded $107.05 million through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). Metro is partnering with Metrolink to deliver improvements that aim to enhance rail service along the corridor.