Work continues to proceed well on the “Iconic Bridge” for the Gold Line Foothill Extension that will bring the Gold Line from Pasadena to the Azusa/Glendora border. The photo above shows one of the supports for the bridge that will carry the tracks from the middle of the 210 freeway toward downtown Arcadia.

After the jump is a “year in review” piece by the Foothill Extension Construction Authority, the agency building the project that Metro will operate. The line is scheduled for completion in 2015 and is being paid for with the Measure R sales tax increase approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2008.

A Year to Remember: Looking back at 2011 and the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension from Pasadena to Azusa

On track for project completion in 2015

Over the last year, crews have been hard at work transforming an otherwise ordinary patch of freeway into the new “Gateway to the San Gabriel Valley.” With the $18.6 million I-210 Gold Line Bridge design-build project beyond 50% completion, residents of the San Gabriel Valley can look forward to construction completion in mid-2012. With its unique art elements envisioned by world-renowned public artist Andrew Leicester, construction on the I-210 Gold Line Bridge was a fitting kick-off to the 11.5-mile light rail extension project, which is on schedule to be completed in 2015.

In July, the $486 million Alignment contract was awarded to Kiewit Parsons Joint Venture. The team is now fully engaged in design for the Pasadena to Azusa Alignment, and over the coming months will be out along the corridor conducting pre-construction activities, such as surveying and potholing to identify utility locations. Heavy construction is slated to begin later next year.

Construction Highlights:

Following a year of design activities (and final design approval last month), Skanska USA began heavy construction on the I-210 Gold Line Bridge in July. This exciting project has already provided us with many amazing construction memories such as the drilling of three, 110-foot deep, 11-foot diameter foundations by a massive 11-foot diameter drill bit; the raising of 75-ton reinforcing steel cages by a 300-ton crane and strategic concrete pours designed to fill these enormous foundation holes with more than 45 truckloads of concrete (each).

Today, crews are working to complete the bridge abutments and columns, and will shift to the aerial components of the bridge in the coming months. In January, the temporary falsework will be installed over the eastbound lanes of the freeway. Installation will require multiple, consecutive night closures (midnight to 5 a.m.) of the eastbound lanes.

Click on the videos below to re-visit our highlights from 2011:

The Journey Continues: An overview of the Foothill Extension from Pasadena to Azusa. Click here for Part 2.

The Iconic Freeway Structure: In depth look at the art design elements and construction/engineering aspects of the I-210 Gold Line Bridge. Click here for Part 2.

The Role of Public Art: Learn about the public art found at the existing Gold Line stations from Los Angeles to Pasadena, and meet two of the six station artists designing public art for the future Foothill Extension stations. Click here for Part 2.

Transit Oriented Development: Find out how the Metro Gold Line transformed cities along its first phase and the growth cities from Pasadena to Azusa can expect with the arrival of the Foothill Extension.

Foothill Extension from Azusa to Montclair

The Foothill Extension from Azusa to Montclair also moved forward in 2011. The Construction Authority kicked off the year with Public Scoping Meetings in each of the Azusa to Montclair cities (Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Claremont and Montclair). These meetings (held in January) were an important first step of the “fresh” environmental review underway for the project. This process continued throughout the year, including six, well-attended Station Planning Workshops held in in March and April.

Chairman Tessitor with Assemblymember Norma Torres after delivering a certificate of appreciation from the Construction Authority for her leadership this past year in authoring AB706. The bill strengthened the Authority’s enabling legislation to clarify that elected officials are able to serve on the Authority board of directors.
We anticipate the Draft EIR will be published early next year for public review and comment, and that the document will be certified in the Spring.

A Word from Construction Authority Chairman and Glendora Mayor Doug Tessitor

The following excerpt was taken from an Op-Ed written by Mayor Tessitor published on Tuesday, December 13 in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star News and Whittier Daily Bulletin. Read the full Op-Ed here.

“As we near the end of 2011, we are on track to complete the light rail extension to Azusa in 2015, and are focused on readying the next 12-mile segment for construction – easing traffic woes and helping to ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for all who live, work and visit Los Angeles County.”

Thank you for your continued interest in the Foothill Extension.