Foothill Gold Line Project Takes Major Leap with New Construction Manager for Claremont Extension

Major Step Forward for Claremont A Line Extension

The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority has recently made significant progress in the development of the Metro A Line by awarding a major construction manager contract. During their meeting on May 27, 2026, the board of directors voted unanimously to award this contract for the 2.3-mile extension from Pomona to Claremont to the SSH Joint Venture. This team comprises well-respected firms, including Skanska USA Civil West California District Inc., Stacy and Witbeck, Inc., and Herzog Contracting Corp.

This contract award comes after a rigorous competitive procurement process, which included bids from four qualified teams. The SSH Joint Venture's selection is particularly notable because it follows the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) method adopted by the board last year. The CMAR approach is beneficial as it allows the construction manager to be involved early in the design process, ensuring that the project is optimized for both constructability and cost-effectiveness.

Claremont Vice Mayor Ed Reece, who serves as the Chair of the Foothill Gold Line Board, emphasized the significance of this award, stating, "Today's award is a major step forward to getting the Metro A Line to Claremont." He expressed confidence in the SSH team's capabilities, which are set to become instrumental in supporting the final project design being developed by Parsons Transportation Group, Inc..

The initial phase of the project includes an authorization of $6.3 million allocated for preconstruction activities lasting 18 months. During this phase, SSH will engage in several key activities such as constructability reviews, value engineering, and cost estimating, all aimed at enhancing the project design. Following this phase, SSH may have the opportunity to undertake the construction of the project, pending the successful negotiation of a construction services contract.

The project design is expected to reach approximately 85% completion before a contract is confirmed. This careful, phased approach is framed to ensure that risks are minimized, and efficiency is maximized in the construction process, which is paramount for such a significant infrastructure project.

As for the timeline, once major construction kicks off, it is anticipated that it will take around four years to complete the extension, with projections for groundbreaking occurring in late 2027. This extension is particularly important for enhancing public transportation access to Claremont, which includes access to key locations such as the Claremont Village, the prestigious Claremont Colleges, and various housing developments and parks.

In a related decision, the Construction Authority board also approved an amendment to the Master Cooperative Agreement (MCA) with LA Metro, clarifying respective roles as they proceed with this project. This agreement is essential as it outlines the responsibilities of both entities in the phases of design, construction, and operational testing.

The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority has maintained a track record of timely and budget-conscious project completions. Since its inception in 1998, it has successfully accomplished over 34 miles of light rail and established 23 stations across multiple segments. The current focus on the Pomona to Claremont segment underlines the Authority's commitment to enhancing regional transit.

As this project develops, there is a collective anticipation for the benefits it will bring, not only in transit efficiency but also in economic growth during the construction phase and beyond. The Claremont A Line Extension is projected to be an environmentally friendly alternative to car travel, promoting sustainability and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.