Foothill Extension Project Moves Forward

On August 30 the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to three teams vying for the Foothill Extension Phase 2A light rail alignment work.  The design-build-finance project includes 11.5 miles of new track, a 25+ acre light rail maintenance facility, six stations in five cities, and multiple bridges along with the needed utilities and crossing systems.  Phase 2A is anticipated to generate 7,000 jobs and $1 billion of economic output for the region during construction and will be the first Measure R rail project to break ground.  The public-private partnership with the winning bidder will enable the project to be completed much faster than using traditional mechanisms.

The RFP was issued to three firms that were shortlisted earlier in the year through a competitive process.  The teams competing for the project are the Foothill Transit Constructors (Kiewit Pacific Co. and Parsons Transportation Group Inc.), Shimmick Construction Company/URS Corporation and Skanska USA Civil West California District/Balfour Beatty Rail, Inc.  Proposals are due January 27, 2011 and the award is anticipated in April 2011.  On June 18, 2010 the Authority awarded a Design-Build Contract for the Iconic Freeway Structure under Phase 2A to Skanska USA Civil West California District Inc.

Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension

VDOT to Hire Public Private Transportation Officer

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)'s commitment to public-private partnerships can be seen in the new opening for a Public Private Transportation Act (PPTA) Program officer. This position is part of the new Administration's efforts to re-invigorate the PPTA program by developing a comprehensive, programmatic approach to its public-private partnerships procurement process.

As described in the full job description, this position will focus on providing "multi-modal solutions to Virginia's transportation challenges by providing strategic leadership for the reorganization and improvement of project delivery for solicited and unsolicited proposals from private corporations to finance and build major highway, rail, ports and public transportation projects."    
 
VDOT also explains that the objective of their Public Private Transportation Act (PPTA) Program, enacted in 1995, "is to facilitate access to additional project financing, private sector innovation, enhanced timeliness of construction and improved efficiency at a reduced whole-life cost."

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