The Foothill Gold Line extension has entered a new phase of development following a great design award. The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority granted Parsons Transportation Group Inc. a 60 million deal in the design and engineering services.
The contract has the duration of six years; it is the result of the competitive procurement process of a number of bidding groups.
According to the officials, the agreement will progress the technical planning and make the project ready to carry out the construction process.
The ruling is another milestone towards enhancing transportation connections in the entire Los Angeles County and promoting cleaner transportation options and travel regionally.
Air overview of the Metro A Line light-rail line at Claremont extension alignment. [Daily Bulletin]
What Does The Foothill Gold Line Extension Contract Cover?
In the contract, Parsons is expected to design all components of the extension of the light-rail that is 2.3 miles. The design is already 30 percent and will be developed to approved-for-construction drawings.
The engineering assistance at the build stage and the solution of the technical needs as the works continue are also the aspects of the scope. The extension will include the Metro A Line between Pomona and Claremont.
This section is meant to enhance connectivity of stations and minimize congestion on the roads. According to the authority leaders, the detailed design package will assist in controlling risks, managing costs and adhering to delivery schedules.
Parsons Brings Proven Light-Rail Expertise
Parsons has a long history of providing upgrades in urban rails and transit in the United States. The company has already completed some of the previous stages of the Foothill Gold Line project.
The board was confident in the technical ability of the board and knowledge of the conditions of the corridors because of that background. It was observed that continuity of knowledge minimizes design hurdles and accelerates approvals.
The alliance will deliver uniform engineering practices and easier coordination of the construction process. Industry analysts reckon that this knowledge will enhance dependability and cost-effectiveness of operations in the long term of the passengers.
Parsons engineers looking through rail alignment drawings and project plans. [Parsons Corporation]
How Will The Foothill Gold Line Project Improve Mobility?
The Foothill Gold Line project is a part of a bigger plan to empower the public transport network in the Southern California. Upon its completion, the extension will connect the communities to employment centres, schools and essential services.
Local leaders will anticipate shorter traveling durations and decreased emissions of vehicles along the corridor. Better rail services can also reduce the congestion in highways during peak times.
The authority claims that the upgrade is beneficial to the long-term sustainability goals of the region as well as the comfort of commuting daily. The people of Claremont and its environs might experience better connections to central Los Angeles.
Procurement For Construction Moves Forward
Together with the design award, the authority has begun to choose a construction partner. The contract structure that shall be applied in the project is a construction manager at risk contract.
The purpose of this approach will be to coordinate planning and real-world build constraints, as well as deal with possible cost overruns. The board granted the release of the request of the proposals of the CMAR package. The authorities are projected to win that tender in May.
The coordination of the design and construction streams is expected to reduce the duration of delivery and give more straightforward control. The Foothill Gold Line rail contract approach is a response to the increasing requirements of responsible delivery of infrastructure.
Metro A Line light-rail cars running on the route. [Wikipedia]
What Happens Next For The Foothill Gold Line Extension?
Parsons will now advance drawings and technical studies to the level of construction readiness. Track layouts, system integration and station planning will be covered by engineering teams.
After the CMAR contractor is selected, both teams will work out the requirements regarding sequencing and field. The authority is narrowly geared towards fulfilling its mandate of the 25 stations and the enhancement of environmental performance.
The extension is seen by investors and planners as a trigger to local development and growth of ridership over the long term. The extension of the Foothill Gold Line is still defining the changing future of transportation in the area as it progresses.
FAQs
Q1: What is the value of the Foothill Gold Line extension design contract?
A1: The contract awarded to Parsons is valued at $60 million.
Q2: How long is the design contract period?
A2: The agreement runs for six years and includes construction support.
Q3: How far will the extension run?
A3: The project covers a 2.3-mile light-rail extension from Pomona to Claremont.
Q4: When will the construction contract be awarded?
A4: Officials expect to award the CMAR construction contract in May.
