This project was one of the first dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects in California. The 14-mile-long project connected two high-population areas and reduced the overall traffic in surrounding communities. The was one of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s first ever design-build projects.
Design and construction included right-of-way engineering, systems assurance certifications, testing and start-up plans, 13 stations with various artist-designed entry panels, decorative paving, variable message signage, CCTV systems, PA systems, Passenger Assistant Telephone systems, six park-and-ride facilities, 14 miles of two-lane roadway, and a multi-use bike path. Additional scope included the retrofit of the existing bus maintenance facility, 36 new signalized intersections, two bridges, numerous retaining walls, post and panel sound walls, new and modified drainage systems, and major utility relocations.
The Shimmick team devised and implemented the extensive use of bio-swales rather than concrete surface drainage features, initially contemplated in the preliminary engineering documents. This change not only reduced costs, it also lessened the project’s environmental impact. A second innovation was an enhanced pavement section using rubberized asphalt and a synthetic membrane.
The team was able to schedule work in the project’s 33 street crossings with minimal impact by utilizing cold plane intersection rehabilitations, multiple headings, and accelerated weekend shutdowns.
