Metrolink Awards Granite $51.5M Contract for San Bernardino Line Siding Extensions

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) awarded Granite Construction a $51.5 million contract for two siding extensions on the San Bernardino Line. The bundled package covers work at Marengo in Los Angeles and Rancho Cucamonga, and both projects are part of the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and finish in July 2028. The award is complete; the source does not identify an open solicitation for this work. For contractors, the near-term procurement angle is therefore potential subcontracting and material supply through Granite rather than competing for the prime award.

The project is notable within SCORE because Granite regional vice president Bill Moore described it as “the first project procured under SCORE.” Metrolink’s April 2025 progress report had already listed seven completed SCORE projects, so the statement distinguishes this contract’s procurement status rather than indicating that SCORE work had not previously been completed. Moore said Granite would draw on experience from rail projects for the Riverside County Transportation Commission as it begins its relationship with Metrolink. That experience may be relevant to firms assessing the prime contractor’s delivery approach, but the available source does not describe Granite’s subcontracting plan, named subcontractors, or packages available to suppliers.

At Marengo, west of the Cal State LA station in Los Angeles, the siding is planned to extend about 3,300 feet east, reaching a total length of 10,288 feet. The new siding track will be on the north side of the main track and end near the Fowler Street curve. The longer siding is intended to let trains meet before entering single-track territory in a constrained right-of-way. Metrolink has said the Marengo work, together with the El Monte siding project, could support service at least every 30 minutes in each direction once demand and funding are in place. That service outcome is conditional; it should not be treated as an immediate operating commitment created solely by this construction award.

The Rancho Cucamonga scope extends the existing siding north of the main track by 4,600 feet west, bringing it to 15,600 feet. Work also includes relocating a control point and associated signal work at the west end, extending culverts, and upgrading two grade crossings. Hellman Avenue is planned to change from a single-track to a double-track crossing, while Archibald Avenue will be rebuilt from double to triple track. Metrolink also proposes safety improvements intended to make both crossings Quiet Zone ready. The completion date is later than Metrolink’s earlier target of early 2028, giving the project a July 2028 delivery horizon and aligning its expected finish with the month the LA28 Olympics open. Contractors and suppliers should plan against the latest stated schedule while verifying package-level dates and requirements directly with Granite.

• Award value and recipient: Metrolink awarded Granite Construction a $51.5 million contract; the prime award is complete.
• Project locations: The bundled work covers the Marengo siding in Los Angeles and the Rancho Cucamonga siding on the San Bernardino Line.
• Construction schedule: Work is scheduled to start in January 2027 and finish in July 2028, later than the earlier early-2028 target.
• Marengo quantities: The siding will extend about 3,300 feet east to a planned total length of 10,288 feet, with new track on the north side of the main track near the Fowler Street curve.
• Rancho Cucamonga quantities: The siding will extend 4,600 feet west to a planned total length of 15,600 feet.
• Systems and civil scope: Rancho Cucamonga work includes a relocated control point, signal work, culvert extensions, and grade-crossing upgrades.
• Crossing changes: Hellman Avenue is planned to move from single to double track; Archibald Avenue from double to triple track. Proposed safety improvements are intended to support Quiet Zone readiness.
• Program context: Both projects are part of SCORE; Granite characterized the award as its first project procured under the program.
• Operational implication: Metrolink says Marengo, together with the El Monte siding project, could enable at least 30-minute service in each direction when demand and funding allow.
• Procurement action: Rail construction subcontractors and suppliers can assess alignment with the awarded scope and contact Granite about potential opportunities; no subcontracting terms, procurement deadlines, or open solicitation are provided.