L.A. Light Rail Transit Project Receives Support from New Team

Arcadis and its joint venture partner Mott MacDonald announced the team will be providing construction management support services for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (LA Metro) design-build delivery team for the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project.

The Arcadis-Mott MacDonald (AMM) JV team will provide administration, inspection services, estimating, and construction management support to L.A. Metro, according to Arcadis' news release.

The project will improve mobility options along Van Nuys Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley.

The light rail project's objectives include providing a faster commute; better connectivity for Metro and Metrolink riders, including those with disabilities, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

"Approximately 35% of residents who live in the area are transit-dependent, more than double the rest of LA County," said Macaria Flores, Los Angeles city executive for Arcadis. "Nearly 20% of residents don't own a car. The construction of this light rail will be transformative for the community and deliver much-needed multimodal transit options."

The 6.7-mile light rail line will be constructed using sustainable solutions. The line will include 11 stations, extensive utility relocation, street improvements, systems testing and commissioning, a first-mile/last-mile parallel bike route, and a maintenance service facility that stretches over 21 acres. Several buildings within the facility will use solar photovoltaic (PV) power and excess power storage systems.

Another 2.5-mile segment is also planned to further extend the rail line from Pacoima to the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station. Design options are now under study and will be built in the second project phase, according to Arcadis.

"The East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project will be the first rail line built in the valley since 2000," said Ernie Figueroa, West unit GM for Mott MacDonald. "We are proud to be part of the construction management team that will bring new, sustainable, and reliable mobility to a rapidly growing area of Los Angeles."