Gold Line Pasadena-to-Azusa rail extension contract awarded

Officials with the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority awarded a $486-million contract to add light-rail from Pasadena to Azusa.

The contract, given Wednesday to a joint venture of Kiewit Corp. and Parsons Corp., includes building an 11.5-mile extension of the line, six stations and scores of crossings, among other construction.

The project is being funded by Measure R, the half-cent sales tax for transportation projects approved by voters in 2008.

Habib F. Balian, chief executive officer of the construction authority, said the total budget for the line exceeds $730 million.

In addition to the 11.5 miles of added rail, the project includes a large, "iconic" footbridge over the 210 Freeway and parking facilities.

Officials said the project should be completed in 2015.

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-- Ari Bloomekatz

Photo:  A Metro Gold Line test train rolls across a fresh pavement coating at Clarence Street and First Street in Boyle Heights east of downtown Los Angeles. Credit: Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times