SSH joint venture selected as construction manager for Pomona-Claremont A Line extension

California Construction News staff writer

The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority has unanimously awarding the construction manager contract for the 2.3-mile Pomona to Claremont A Line Extension to SSH Joint Venture, a team comprised of Skanska USA Civil West California District Inc., Stacy and Witbeck, Inc., and Herzog Contracting Corp.

The award follows a competitive procurement process that attracted four highly qualified teams and marks the second of two major contracts awarded under the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method adopted for the project last year.

“The Construction Authority was looking for a team that would not only provide great value during the initial preconstruction phase, but one that would do an excellent job building the project,” Reece said. “We are confident that SSH is an excellent selection and look forward to their efforts in the months ahead.”

The Pomona to Claremont extension will add a new Metro A Line station in Claremont and continue the eastward expansion of one of the nation’s longest light rail lines. The project is expected to improve transit connectivity throughout the San Gabriel Valley and provide direct rail access to Claremont Village, the Claremont Colleges, new residential developments, parks and other regional destinations.

Major construction is expected to begin in late 2027, with the buildout projected to take approximately four years to complete.

Under the contract, SSH will oversee the project’s preconstruction phase and work closely with the design team led by Parsons Transportation Group, Inc., which was previously selected to provide engineering and design services for the extension.

“Today’s award is a major step forward to getting the Metro A Line to Claremont,” said Foothill Gold Line Board Chair and Claremont Vice Mayor Ed Reece. “SSH is a highly experienced team, and they will put that know-how to work over the next year to support the final project design, ensuring the design is optimized for constructability and effectiveness while developing the most efficient construction plan possible.”

The board authorized $6.3 million for the initial 18-month preconstruction phase. During this period, SSH will provide constructability reviews, value engineering, third-party coordination, cost estimating and other services intended to refine the project’s design and reduce construction risk.

The CMAR delivery approach allows the construction manager to participate early in the design process, helping identify potential challenges before construction begins and improving cost certainty as plans advance toward completion.

Once the design reaches 85 percent completion, expected in 2027, the Construction Authority and SSH will enter negotiations for a construction services contract. If an acceptable guaranteed price is reached, SSH will move forward as the project’s builder.

SSH earned the highest overall score among the four competing teams following evaluations of written proposals, interviews and cost submissions. Selection criteria included management approach, personnel experience, past performance, expertise working within active railroad corridors operated by Metrolink and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, and experience delivering light rail infrastructure projects.