The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority Board of Directors advanced the Claremont Extension of the Metro A Line at its recent meeting by unanimously awarding a major design contract and reaffirming board leadership for 2026.

The board awarded the six-year, $60 million design and engineering services contract for the 2.3-mile Claremont Extension to Parsons Transportation Group, Inc., following a competitive procurement process. The contract will advance the project from approximately 30% design to “Approved for Construction” drawings and provide design support during construction. It is the first of two major contracts under the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method adopted by the Construction Authority last year.

“While we evaluated three highly qualified teams, Parsons distinguished themselves as the clear leader for the Claremont Extension,” said Foothill Gold Line Board Chair and Claremont Vice Mayor Ed Reece. “Their deep experience designing light rail projects, including with previous phases of the Foothill Gold Line, ensures they possess the specialized expertise needed to deliver this critical phase, bringing us one step closer to fulfilling our 25-station mandate and enhancing regional mobility, quality of life, and the environment.”

Parsons ranked highest in both written proposal and interview evaluations.

“Parsons has led design teams for each phase of this project for the past 25 years, and we are excited to once again be selected to continue that legacy,” said Mark Fialkowski, president, Infrastructure North America for Parsons. “Extending light rail options opens access to neighborhoods that were once limited for commuters. The A Line expansion will improve commuter and visitor access between downtown Los Angeles and the eastern portion of Los Angeles County. It is rewarding for everyone who has been involved at Parsons to see the next segment move forward to design and come one step closer to fruition.”

At the same meeting, the board unanimously re-elected Ed Reece as board chair for a fourth year and Glendora Council Member Mendell Thompson as vice chair for a third year.

“This is a critical time for the Construction Authority, as we begin the final design work and prepare to hire the contractor for the next project segment that will bring light rail service and all of its benefits to the city of Claremont,” Chair Reece stated. “With 23 of the 25 planned Foothill Gold Line stations from Los Angeles to Montclair now complete, we look forward to continuing to guide the agency to its final destinations in Claremont and Montclair in the years ahead.”

“I, along with Vice Chair Thompson, want to thank our colleagues on the board for continuing to believe, not just in our leadership, but in the vision of creating truly regional transit that expands mobility, quality of life, and environmental benefits to the millions of people living in — and traveling through — this corridor every day,” added Chair Reece.

The procurement process for the project’s construction manager is underway, with the board approving the release of the Request for Proposals. The construction manager contract is expected to be awarded in May, with major construction anticipated to begin in late 2027 or early 2028, pending successful negotiations.