California Construction News staff writer
Granite Construction has been awarded a roughly $24 million contract to transform the Perris South Metrolink Station and Layover Facility, a project aimed at improving service reliability and meeting rising commuter demand along the State Route 91/Perris Valley Line in Riverside County.
The Riverside County Transportation Commission will fund the project locally, with the contract reflected in Granite’s fourth-quarter capital plan.
Currently a single-track terminus, the station faces operational limitations that create bottlenecks and restrict train movements. The project will convert Perris South into a high-capacity hub that can support bidirectional peak service and future growth in the region.
“This project builds on our successful partnership with RCTC and Metrolink and leverages Granite’s core strengths in heavy civil construction and rail,” said Bill Moore, Granite vice president of regional operations. He noted the company recently completed a similar project 13 miles away at March Field Station in Moreno Valley.
Planned improvements include:
- Second Passenger Platform and Track: A new boarding platform and roughly 1,100–1,200 feet of track will allow two trains to load and unload simultaneously and maintain operations if one train is out of service.
- Platform Extension: The existing platform will be lengthened to accommodate eight-car Metrolink trains and upgraded with canopies, electronic displays, and emergency phones.
- Pedestrian Safety Enhancements: A new at-grade crossing with active warning gates and flashing lights will provide safe access to the second platform.
- Layover Facility Expansion: A fourth layover track and new switching infrastructure will allow more trains to be stored overnight, improving operational flexibility.
Officials say the project will offer a reliable alternative to congested freeways, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support sustainable growth in the Inland Empire.
