Source Readers: Here’s the latest release from the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority, which is building the 11.5-mile extension from Pasadena to Azusa. Construction on the Measure R project is expected to be completed in early 2015, at which point the authority will turn the line over to Metro to operate.

MEDIA ADVISORY

EASTBOUND I-210 FREEWAY CLOSED OVERNIGHT FOR GOLD LINE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

Construction on the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension I-210 Bridge requires temporary overnight closure of the eastbound I-210 Freeway at Baldwin Avenue this week, with traffic detours onto Foothill Boulevard in effect from midnight Tuesday night through 5:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. Eastbound on-ramps at Rosemead Boulevard, Michillinda Boulevard and Baldwin Avenue will be closed from 9:00 p.m. Tuesday to 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. Safety measures require these closures.

Construction has progressed significantly on the I-210 Bridge in recent weeks. Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Contractor Skanska USA Civil has mobilized drilling equipment and began installing the first of three 11-foot diameter, 110-foot deep bridge foundations. Drilling on the first foundation finished last week, and now crews move to install a reinforcing steel cage and pour concrete to complete it. A drill rig and crane will move from the southern shoulder of the freeway to the center median next week to begin work on the remaining two deep foundations.

The 584-linear foot bridge will cross over the eastbound lanes of the I-210 Freeway between Baldwin and Santa Anita Avenues, allowing connection between the existing Sierra Madre Villa Station in Pasadena with the future Arcadia Station. The bridge is the first component of the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension light rail project from Pasadena to Azusa to move from design to construction.

Intermittent partial and full closures of the eastbound I-210 Freeway will continue to be necessary during the year-long bridge construction project. The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority issues regular construction notices to update the community on bridge construction activities and schedules. Community members can sign up to receive construction alerts via email or text message on the Authority’s website at www.foothillextension.org. Information is also available by calling the 24-hour toll-free project information hotline at (855) 446-1160.

The I-210 Bridge is scheduled for completion in July 2012, at which point Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority Alignment Contractor Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture will begin installing track, utilities and systems to continue the Gold Line east into San Gabriel Valley communities of Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale and Azusa. Construction of the 11.5-mile extension is scheduled to be completed in 2015.

What to Expect This Week:

Traffic delays are expected for the eastbound lanes of the I-210 Freeway as construction work continues. For safety purposes, the eastbound lanes of the I-210 Freeway will be completely closed while construction crews install reinforcement for the first of three deep bridge foundations. Traffic will be detoured onto Foothill Boulevard and on-ramps to the eastbound lanes of the I-210 Freeway will be closed at Rosemead Boulevard, Michillinda Boulevard and Baldwin Avenue from 9:00 p.m. Tuesday evening to 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Note: Work is weather permitting and subject to change.

About the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority is an independent transportation planning and construction agency created in 1999 by the California State Legislature. Its purpose is to extend the Metro Gold Line from Union Station to the Los Angeles County Line along the Foothills of the San Gabriel Valley. The Construction Authority built the first segment of the Metro Gold Line light rail line, which opened in 2003 connecting downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena. Los Angeles County’s Measure R half-cent sales tax increase will fully fund the segment between Pasadena and Azusa, currently under final design and construction; and will partially fund the segment from Azusa to Montclair, currently undergoing environmental review. A proposed final extension to the LA/Ontario International Airport is also under study. More information about the project and the Authority can be found at www.foothillextension.org.

About Skanska USA Civil [the bridge contractor]

Skanska USA Inc. is a leading provider of construction, preconstruction consulting, general contracting and design-build services to a broad range of industries including science and technology, healthcare, education, high-tech, aviation, transportation, sports and entertainment. Headquartered in New York with 34 offices across the country, Skanska USA has approximately 7,000 employees, and its 2010 revenues were $4.8 billion, representing 30 percent of Skanska’s global revenues.

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