#United States #Foothill Gold Line #Monrovia #Claremont Extension #Parsons Group

Major Milestone Achieved for the Claremont Light Rail Extension

In a pivotal move for public transportation in the region, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority has announced the awarding of a significant contract to Parsons Transportation Group, Inc. to oversee the design and engineering of the Claremont Extension of the Metro A Line. This contract, valued at $60 million, marks a landmark achievement in advancing the light rail system that is set to improve connectivity for commuters in both downtown Los Angeles and the eastern suburbs.

Contract Details

The contract awarded today is rooted in a competitive procurement process that attracted bids from multiple distinguished engineering firms. Ultimately, Parsons emerged as the top contender, demonstrating their extensive expertise in light rail design, drawing on their experience from previous phases of the Foothill Gold Line. Board Chair Ed Reece, who also serves as the Vice Mayor of Claremont, underscored the confidence in Parsons, stating, "Their deep experience designing light rail projects ensures they possess the specialized skills necessary to deliver this critical phase of the project."

This contract is the first of two significant agreements that the Construction Authority has planned under the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery framework adopted last year. The focus will be on refining the design of the 2.3-mile stretch of light rail that extends from Pomona to Claremont, progressing from its current preliminary state to approved construction documentation. Notably, Parsons will provide design support during the construction phase, solidifying their role in seeing this project through to completion.

Rigorous Evaluation Process

The decision to select Parsons was made following a meticulous two-step evaluation process. The firm earned an impressive score of 94 out of 100, reflecting their demonstrated competence and the quality of their proposal. In a subsequent interview stage where their approach was further scrutinized, they secured 47 out of 50 points, affirming their preparedness to tackle the project.

Mark Fialkowski, president of Parsons’ Infrastructure North America division, expressed his enthusiasm about continuing their long-standing relationship with the Foothill Gold Line initiative. "Having led design teams for every phase of this project over the last 25 years, we are excited to once again be selected to continue that legacy. The A Line expansion will significantly enhance commuter and visitor access, connecting previously underserved neighborhoods with vital transport links."

Upcoming Steps and Timeline

In tandem with the design contract, the Construction Authority is progressing towards awarding the second necessary construction manager contract, which will encompass initial work phases including cost estimating and constructability reviews. The Request for Proposals (RFP) for this contract has already been released, with an expected award date in May. If all processes align appropriately, substantial construction is anticipated to commence late in 2027 and span approximately four years to complete.

This extension is not merely about increasing rail miles; it represents a commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities it serves. The extension of the Metro A Line will serve as a crucial link, allowing greater access to public transportation while simultaneously addressing regional mobility challenges and environmental concerns.

About the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority

The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority is an independent entity established in 1998 by California legislation, tasked with planning, designing, and constructing the Metro A Line spanning from Union Station to Claremont. In its operational history spanning over two decades, the authority has successfully developed more than 34 miles of light rail, combining efficiency with budget adherence.

In closing, this milestone sets a promising precedent for the future of public transportation in California, reinforcing the potential of light rail to transform commutes and enhance environmental sustainability. With Parsons at the helm for this phase, there is tangible optimism for the successful rollout of this vital infrastructure project.