Metro Gold Line awards final contract

The Monrovia, Calif.-based Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority (Construction Authority) board of directors awarded the third and final design-build contract for the Foothill Extension light rail project from Pasadena to Azusa.

The $48.7 million contract is for final design and construction of parking facilities for the future Gold Line stations, as well as enhancements at and around the stations to improve intermodal connectivity for train riders arriving by bus, foot or on bicycles.

The contract was awarded to Webcor Builders, a Calif.-based construction company with more than 40 years of experience building similar projects. Webcor has put together a team of experts to manage, design and construct the project; and was awarded the contract following a 10-month procurement process.

With this contract awarded, the Construction Authority has now awarded all contracts needed to complete the 11.5-mile Foothill Extension project. The first contract was awarded to Skanska USA for the Gold Line Bridge in June 2010. The bridge was completed on time and on budget and turned over to the Construction Authority in December 2012.

Foothill Transit Constructors, a Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture, was awarded the $486 million alignment design-build contract in November 2011. They have nearly completed design for the light rail project; cleared the right of way of old track and vegetation; and are under construction on numerous bridges, crossings and the first of six stations.

The Webcor team will start their efforts by working on the design for the parking facilities and station enhancements, before beginning construction of the facilities.