The Foothill Gold Line Rail project continues to advance in Southern California after completing major civil works on its Glendora-to-Pomona extension and shifting focus to the final Pomona-to-Claremont segment. As of 2026, the completed extension is undergoing full passenger operations, while project partners have entered the design and pre-construction phase for the remaining 2.3-mile extension to Claremont. The latest progress keeps the long-term objective of extending the Metro A Line to Montclair firmly on track.
The Glendora-to-Pomona extension reached substantial completion on schedule before opening to passenger service in September 2025. Since then, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority has redirected efforts toward delivering the final segment, which will complete the eastern expansion of the Metro A Line.
Foothill Gold Line Rail Project enters final design phase
In early 2026, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority awarded Parsons Transportation Group a six-year design and engineering contract for the Pomona-to-Claremont extension. The contract covers final engineering, environmental coordination and construction support before major civil works begin.
Meanwhile, the Authority also appointed the SSH Joint Venture as construction manager. The team includes Skanska USA Civil, Stacy and Witbeck, and Herzog Contracting Corporation.
Initially, the construction manager will support Parsons through constructability reviews, value engineering, cost estimating and procurement planning. These activities aim to prepare the project for full construction in 2027.
Officials expect project design to reach approximately 85% completion during 2027 before authorizing major construction works.
Foothill Gold Line Rail Project supports wider California rail expansion
The final extension will add approximately 2.3 miles of light rail between Pomona and Claremont. Upon completion, the Metro A Line will continue east before eventually reaching Montclair through a future San Bernardino County-led extension.
The project includes a new Claremont station, relocated freight tracks, upgraded road crossings, improved pedestrian safety measures, overhead electrification and expanded commuter parking facilities.
While the Foothill Gold Line Rail Project expands regional urban transit across Los Angeles County, the $128 billion California High-Speed Rail Project is advancing statewide passenger rail through new delivery partnerships and continued construction in the Central Valley. Together, the two projects demonstrate California’s continued investment in sustainable rail infrastructure serving both metropolitan commuters and intercity passengers.
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Work has been ongoing or finished on the new light rail system since July 2020. It included 19 new or renovated bridges, including four bridges spanning significant streets and intersections and 21 at-grade railroad crossings. Additionally, four new stations, including public artwork for the stations, freight track relocation, and project walls.
More on the Foothill Gold Line light rail project
The majority of significant building projects will be almost finished this year. Testing of the new light rail system is expected to start by year’s end. Currently, at 72% overall completion, the project is still on track to be handed over to Metro for pre-revenue service and training in early January 2025. When passenger service begins is up to Metro.
“For the Foothill Gold Line project and our cities, today is historic and meaningful. In addition to creating a functional connection between Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona, the completion of the light rail tracks heralds the beginning of a better and more promising transportation future for these communities, the San Gabriel Valley, and Greater Los Angeles,” said Foothill Gold Line Board Chairman and Mayor of Claremont Ed Reece.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: Foothill Gold Line Rail Project (Metro A Line Extension)
Location: Los Angeles County, California, USA
Transit Operator: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
Current Status (2026):
- Glendora–Pomona extension completed and operational.
- Pomona–Claremont extension in final design and pre-construction.
Current Phase: Final engineering and construction preparation.
Next Construction Start: Expected in 2027.
Extension Length (Current Phase): 2.3 miles (3.7 km).
Ultimate Goal: Extend Metro A Line to Montclair.
Major Infrastructure:
- New Claremont Station.
- Track relocation.
- Grade crossing improvements.
- Overhead electrification.
- Parking facilities.
- Safety upgrades.
Project Benefits:
- Improved regional mobility.
- Reduced highway congestion.
- Better public transport connectivity.
- Lower transport emissions.
- Enhanced commuter access across the San Gabriel Valley.
Project Team
Owner: Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority.
Transit Agency: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
Final Design Consultant: Parsons Transportation Group.
Construction Manager: SSH Joint Venture.
SSH Joint Venture Members:
- Skanska USA Civil West California District Inc.
- Stacy and Witbeck Inc.
- Herzog Contracting Corporation.
Regional Partners:
- San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
- San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.
- Participating corridor cities including Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Claremont and Montclair.
Project Scope: Final design, engineering, pre-construction services, construction management, systems integration, station development, track infrastructure and future commissioning.
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