California Construction News staff writer
The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority is set to move forward in 2026 with the next segment of its light rail program, with design and construction contracts for the Pomona to Claremont extension expected to be awarded in January and May, respectively. Pre-construction work may begin next year, while final design drawings will be prepared. Major construction is scheduled to start in 2027, with completion projected in 2031.
The announcement comes after a historic 2025 for the Foothill Gold Line, which saw the 9-mile, four-station Glendora to Pomona segment reach substantial completion on time and on budget. The extension added stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne and Pomona and opened for passenger service on Sept. 19.
“This year, the San Gabriel Valley didn’t just gain new tracks; it gained a new future,” said Foothill Gold Line Board Chair Ed Reece, also vice mayor of Claremont. “By connecting these communities to the rest of Los Angeles County, we’ve opened doors to jobs, education, and housing that were previously out of reach for many.”
The Glendora-Pomona extension marks the third Foothill Gold Line segment completed on schedule and within budget. Earlier segments from Union Station to Pasadena and Pasadena to Azusa were completed in 2003 and 2015. With the recent extension, 23 of the 25 planned stations from Los Angeles to Montclair are now operational.
Planning for the Pomona to Claremont segment faced challenges after an initial design-builder procurement was canceled. The Construction Authority switched to a Construction Manager at Risk delivery method and focused the project on the Los Angeles County portion after San Bernardino County withdrew local funding. Metro has committed $798 million to complete the Los Angeles County portion.
“We are moving into construction on the Pomona to Claremont segment thanks to Metro’s unwavering investment and partnership,” Reece said. “Completing these final two stations is essential for regional mobility, and I am confident 2026 will be a year of major breakthroughs.”
