Metrolink awards $50 million task order contract to five engineering firms

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) has awarded a $50 million task-order contract to HDR Engineering Inc., AECOM Technical Services Inc., RailPros, Hill International Inc., and Parsons, Railway Age reports.

The firms will support a variety of expansion, rehabilitation and state-of-good repair projects for the regional/commuter rail service under a contract that includes a base term of three years, with a single two-year option. Projects are expected to include grade crossing safety improvements, rehabilitation of track and structures, capital projects, main line track and siding extensions, station construction and expansions, grade separations, and Positive Train Control (PTC) support, the published report says.

“All of these projects will be to ensure a safe operating rail system for Metrolink passengers, in coordination with Amtrak and our freight partners,” Metrolink told Railway Age.

“The Metrolink system is continually optimizing its network, which connects six Southern California counties (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and North San Diego] to provide safe, seamless and reliable transportation,” said Tom Topolski, Parsons executive-vice president, Connected Communities Market Tom Topolski. “With deep roots in California, Parsons will utilize our extensive expertise in railroad project management, design and construction management to support SCRRA as they expand and improve their system to better connect riders to the community.”