Rapid Transit/Light Rail

Contractor named for Mesa, Ariz., LRT extension

Valley Transit Constructors, a Kiewit/Mass Electric Joint Venture, was selected as the team that will continue designing and building the Valley Metro 3.1-mile Central Mesa light-rail extension in Arizona. Parsons Transportation Group, also part of the team, will serve as lead designer.

Caltrain modernization advanced by regional agreement

A regional agreement between the California High Speed Rail Authority and more than a half-dozen California Bay Area public agencies will fully fund the electrification and modernization of the Caltrain system, a long-planned, critically-needed improvement that will improve the service and help ensure the long-term viability of the commuter rail system.

CTA previews Loop track renewal project

The Chicago Transit Authority previewed upcoming track renewal work that will affect primarily weekend service in the Loop beginning in mid-April through late-2012. The project will involve special trackwork at the Loop junctions and the replacement of nearly 11,500 feet of elevated rail and track components that were installed in the mid-1980s, which are nearing the end of their useful life.

LACMTA expands additional train testing on new Expo Line

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will expand the operation of test trains along the LACMTA Expo Line corridor beginning Sunday, March 18, running trains from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week, on a schedule of every 12 minutes to simulate regular service on the line once the system opens in early 2012.

WMATA progresses capital rebuilding effort

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority provided an update on its progress to rebuild the system following years of underinvestment. In the six-month period from July 1 to December 31, 2011, Metro spent $307 million on capital projects ranging from replacing railcars, switches, rail and track components to rehabilitating station platforms, escalators and elevators.