Metro Gold Line Construction Authority recaps year

Written by jrood

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority (Construction Authority) issued an end of the year statement to project stakeholders highlighting the many project milestone's reached during 2011. Paramount in the year-in-review statement was the construction progress of the I-210 Gold Line Bridge and award of the $486 million alignment contract to Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture.

“2011 was a monumental year for the project,” said Construction Authority Board Chairman and Glendora Mayor Doug Tessitor. “As we near the end of 2011, we are on track to complete the light rail extension to Azusa in 2015 and are focused on readying the next 12-mile segment for construction – easing traffic woes and helping to ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for all who live, work and visit Los Angeles County.”

The Construction Authority lists the following highlights:

• The I-210 Gold Line Bridge – the first component of the 11.5-mile light rail extension to move from design to construction – is now beyond 50 percent completion and residents are able to witness the progress on this very visible element of the project on a regular basis. With its unique art elements envisioned by world-renowned public artist Andrew Leicester, construction on the I-210 Gold Line Bridge was a fitting kick-off to the project, which is on schedule to be completed in 2015.

• In July, the $486 million Alignment contract was awarded to the award winning team of Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture, after an extensive and competitive procurement process. The team – which won the project after scoring highest on all technical criteria and providing the lowest bid price – is now fully engaged in design for the Pasadena to Azusa Alignment. Over the coming months, they will be out along the corridor conducting pre-construction activities, such as surveying and potholing to identify utility locations. Heavy construction is slated to begin later next year.

“Our team took great strides this year towards delivering a project on time and on budget,” said Construction Authority CEO Habib Balian. “We are seeing, first hand, the benefits of having two world-class teams design and build the project. Both contracts are going well so far, and we are very pleased with the work product being delivered on the I-210 Bridge and the Alignment contract.”

In 2011, the Construction Authority also progressed on the final planning step before funding can be sought for the next segment of the line – from Azusa to Montclair. The environmental review process was initiated early in the year with public scoping meetings in each of the corridor cities (Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Claremont and Montclair) in January and station planning workshops in March and April. The Construction Authority anticipates publication of the Draft EIR early next year and certification in the spring.

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