A joint venture of Skanska and Stacy Witbeck has broken ground on the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit project in Van Nuys, California, according to a Skanska release. Stakeholders marked the start at the Van Nuys Civic Center with LA Metro, civic leaders and community members.
The figures need separating. The $2.43 billion headline is the total project cost, including preconstruction. The construction contract the joint venture signed with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is $1.9 billion, and Skanska pegged its own share at $957 million in the August announcement, indicating a roughly even split with Alameda based Stacy Witbeck.
The scope covers a 6.7 mile, 11 station, street level light rail line along Van Nuys Boulevard, plus a 26 acre rail and maintenance facility, shade structures and utility relocations. Trains are expected to run every seven to ten minutes at peak when the line opens, and construction is scheduled for completion in early 2032.
Skanska, based in Stockholm, and Stacy Witbeck have previously partnered on five Southern California infrastructure and rail projects, including the Sixth Street Viaduct replacement in downtown Los Angeles. The joint venture will also run a careers academy for residents near the project footprint who want construction training.