Claremont A Line Extension Advances with New Design and Construction Contracts

The Claremont A Line extension is making strides, further extending the longest all-electric light-rail line in the nation. The recent approval marks a significant milestone in the expansion of this 2.3-mile extension from Pomona to Claremont, leading to the eastern edge of Los Angeles County. This decision was finalized on January 29, with the board voting unanimously to approve a design and engineering contract valued at $61 million, awarded to Parsons Transportation Group Inc.

Funding and Project Overview

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority is spearheading this project, having received a substantial grant of $798 million from L.A. Metro in October 2024. This funding is derived from California Senate Bill 1, which channels tax revenues from gasoline and diesel sales, along with vehicle registration fees.

• Design and Planning Costs: Approximately $200 million will be utilized for design, real estate acquisition, administrative costs, right-of-ways, and permits.
• Construction Budget: The remaining $600 million is allocated for the construction phase of the extension.

Habib Balian, CEO of the Construction Authority, expressed cautious optimism regarding the project’s affordability, emphasizing the importance of securing a reliable construction team. He noted that it will take about 18 months after the design phase to finalize the construction cost estimate.

Construction Challenges

The construction of the extension presents various complexities, including the need to build bridges over Garey Avenue, Towne Avenue, and Indian Hill Boulevard in Claremont. Significant costs arise from relocating approximately one mile of Metrolink track and half a mile of freight track.

The Claremont station will enhance connectivity, being the second A Line station alongside a Metrolink station, the first being in Pomona. This strategic positioning is expected to facilitate increased transfer opportunities for Metrolink riders coming from the Inland Empire.

Projected Timeline and Future Developments

Major construction work on the Pomona to Claremont extension is anticipated to begin in 2027, aiming for completion by late 2031. The current A Line spans 57.6 miles and includes 48 stations, stretching from Long Beach to Pomona through key urban areas like downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena. The addition of Claremont will bring the total length to nearly 60 miles with 49 stations.

Originally, the A Line was planned to extend into San Bernardino County, culminating at the Montclair Transit Center. However, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority recently voted to retract funding for that segment due to rising costs and limited decision-making input.

Despite this setback, local officials remain optimistic about future expansions. Tim Hepburn, the mayor of La Verne, voiced support for the current progress. “This is a good day,” he stated. “This is not a train to nowhere. It is a train to Claremont, and hopefully to San Bernardino County.” Through this extension, the A Line is poised to enhance economic opportunities for Claremont and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley regions.