L.A. Metro advances proposals to fast track Measure M projects

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has advanced four unsolicited proposals that could accelerate two major projects funded by the Measure M ballot initiative.

The four proposals passed an initial review and will undergo a qualitative and quantitative analysis, Metro officials said in a press release.

Two proposals are for the West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor, where the agency is considering building a light-rail line. Those proposals came from Skanska USA Civil West and Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.

The other two proposals are for the Sepulveda Pass Transit Corridor, which also may involve building a rail line. Parsons Transportation Group Inc. and Cintra US Services LLC submitted those proposals.

Each proposal suggests a different approach that could cut costs and speed up the projects, Metro officials said.

After completing the detailed analyses, Metro staff will decide whether to issue requests for proposals.

"Our call for innovation is paying," said Metro Chief Executive Officer Phillip Washington. "And the private sector is responding with notable creativity that also is in keeping with Metro goals and long-term plans."