LACMTA's board awards Regional Connector contract

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (LACMTA) board yesterday awarded a $927.2 million contract to Regional Connector Constructors to design and build the Regional Connector Transit Corridor light-rail line.

Regional Connector Constructors is a joint venture between Skanska USA Civil West California District Inc. and Traylor Brothers Inc. The board also approved an additional $39.9 million for the Regional Connector Life-of-Project budget for a total of $1.42 billion, LACMTA officials said in a press release.

The Regional Connector project will complete a 1.9-mile gap connecting the Metro Gold Line with the Blue and Expo lines by providing a direct connection with three new stations planned for 1st Street/Central Avenue, 2nd Street/Broadway and 2nd Place/Hope Street in downtown Los Angeles.

Of the four bids received, Skanska/Traylor had the overall highest ranking, including the highest technical score and highest evaluated score for pricing, based on criteria in the request for proposals, officials said. In their recommendation of the contract, LACMTA staff noted that Skanska/Traylor indicated they plan to finish construction 115 days early and will absorb the cost of any delays caused by LACMTA or subcontractors.

The Regional Connector is expected to be completed in 2020.