$1.5B Foothill Gold Line Extension Substantially Completed

The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority has announced that the A Line's extension to Pomona has reached substantial completion. This $1.5-billion project spans 9.1 miles and includes four new stops in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona. Over the course of five years, construction introduced new bridges, sound walls, fencing, park-and-ride facilities, and other infrastructure upgrades.

"The Kiewit-Parsons team did an outstanding job designing and constructing the light rail project, despite significant and unprecedented challenges," said the Construction Authority's chief executive officer, Habib F. Balian, in a news release. "It is unusual for a large infrastructure project to come in on time and on budget, but KPJV was partners with the Construction Authority from the start and found ways to innovate and keep the project moving through the COVID-19 Pandemic, historic heatwaves and historic rains. I am pleased to say that we not only completed the project on time and on budget - we ended as partners."

The next phase involves testing by Metro, with final approvals pending from the California Public Utilities Commission. Although an official opening date has not been set, the launch is anticipated for July or August.

Once operational, the A Line will stretch 49 miles between Pomona and Downtown Long Beach. Featuring 44 stations and a route that passes through Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles, it is already the longest light rail line in the world.

The line is projected to expand further in the coming years. In 2022, state transportation officials released $500 million in previously frozen funds for the next phase of the Foothill Extension, which includes 3.2 additional miles of track with stops in Claremont and Montclair. These elements, initially excluded due to rising construction costs, are expected to begin development before the end of 2025.

Extending the line to Montclair is particularly significant, as it will mark the first Metro rail line to cross Los Angeles County borders into San Bernardino County. According to The Daily News, San Bernardino County has committed $80 million to cover the costs of the one mile of track located within its jurisdiction.