According to a study conducted by INRIX, residents of L.A. wasted 81 hours commuting in 2015, the worst traffic of any U.S. city in terms of average time wasted per commuter. In partnership with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Arcadis is helping to solve this problem by participating in the construction project of an underground tunnel for a public light-rail service in L.A. Arcadis is contracted to deliver Construction Management Support Services for this multi-year project, providing in-depth transportation knowledge, construction contract administration and quality and safety oversight.
A tunnel boring machine (TBM) lowering ceremony on Oct. 19 marked the start of underground tunnel construction as part of the $1.55 billion Metro Los Angeles Regional Connector Transit Project. Once lowered, and when fully assembled (expected early 2017), the German-built 1,000 ton, 450-foot long TBM will dig, build circular concrete and lay 1.1 miles of light-rail train tracks at a rate of 60 feet per day.
Following a naming contest undertaken by Metro’s Community Relations team and in accordance with mining traditions dating back to the 14th century, the TBM was unveiled at the ceremony as “Angeli.”
The ceremony was held at the future site of the First and Central Station, one of three new underground stations, providing continued train service for riders between Long Beach and Azusa and from East LA to Santa Monica without a need for a transfer, connecting the current Blue, Expo and Gold lines. The project is expected to be completed in 2021.
“Today is an extremely exciting day for L.A. as we look to the future of transportation. We’re helping to improve quality of life for millions of Angelenos seeking convenience and faster access to jobs, shopping or entertainment across town,” said Arcadis City Executive Macaria Flores. “Arcadis is honored to be part of this historic project and we look forward to working alongside the leadership at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.”
“Public transit is not just about transportation, we’re here because we believe in a good quality of life.” Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles shares how the Project will ease congestion around Downtown Los Angeles.
Arcadis staff members are part of a fully Integrated Project Management Office, referred to as the IPMO, and cohabit the office with Los Angeles County Metro Transit Authority staff.
