Construction has commenced on the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, a 6.7-mile line slated to run along Van Nuys Boulevard in Los Angeles. The project, which began construction in July 2026, is now anticipated to be operational by December 2031. This revised timeline means the line will not be available for the 2028 Olympic Games, which Los Angeles is hosting.
Project Scope and Funding
The light-rail line will feature 11 new stations serving communities including Panorama City, Arleta, and Pacoima. The total cost for the project has been estimated at $3.6 billion, entirely funded through public sources at local, state, and federal levels. Los Angeles County taxpayers are contributing via Measure M, a half-cent sales tax. State funding comes from California's Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program and gas-tax revenues. The Federal Transit Administration awarded LA Metro an $893 million grant in 2024 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
A construction contract valued at $2.43 billion, including preconstruction and early works, was awarded by LA Metro to Skanska and Stacy Witbeck in a joint venture. This contract covers the development of the street-level light-rail line, an 11-station system with shade structures, a 26-acre rail and maintenance facility, and necessary utility relocations and improvements. AECOM will lead the design for phase two of the project.
Timeline and Delays
Original plans had targeted a 2027 opening for the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail, which would have aligned with the 2028 Olympic Games. However, significant design modifications and delays in utility relocation have pushed the projected completion date back by four years. This adjustment means residents will have to wait until late 2031 to utilize the new transit line.
Economic and Community Impact
Beyond its primary function of enhancing transit access and regional connectivity, the project is expected to generate over 18,000 direct and indirect jobs. The federal infrastructure bill includes new local-hire rules that will apply to these positions. James Bailey, Executive Vice President of Civil West Coast Operations for Skanska USA, described the project as "an investment in mobility for the region." He highlighted the Progressive Design-Build delivery method for fostering collaboration among designers, builders, stakeholders, and community members. Stacy Witbeck Project Manager Eric Meisgeier emphasized the team's commitment to precision, stating, "We will construct this project with the same focus on the work and respect for the community to deliver a project the San Fernando Valley can be proud of."
Skanska has previous experience with large-scale transit projects, having recently completed a 10-year, $2.2 billion project on LA’s D Line, the Purple Line subway extension.