LACMTA eyes contractor for Crenshaw LRT
Written by Douglas John BowenA report released Friday, June 7, 2013, by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority staff recommends LACMTA award a $1.27 billion contract to Walsh-Shea Corridor Constructors, to advance the Crenshaw Line light rail transit project.
Staff said the Walsh-Shea bid, one of four considered by LACMTA, had both the lowest cost and the highest technical score. LACMTA’s Board of Directors will vote on the contract recommendation later this month.
The report also identified the need for an additional $160 million for the project, raising the total cost to more than $2 billion, due in part to revised plans that would include a stop in Leimert Park Village.
Neighorhood activists welcome LRT but seek an underground station, driving up overall project costs. LACMTA and the Los Angeles City Council last month approved funds for the stop, but cautioned it may not cover the full cost.
Walsh-Shea Corridor Constructors includes Chicago-based Walsh Construction, Walnut, Calif.-based J.F. Shea Co., Inc., Kansas City, Mo.-based HNTB Corp., L.K. Comstock Co., London-based Arup Group Ltd., and the Los Angeles Urban League.
The 8.5-mile Crenshaw Line will run through southern LA and connect the Expo Line to the Green Line, though falling short of Los Angeles International Airport. Revenue service was targeted to begin in 2018, though 2019 now is mentioned for startup of the line.
