July 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Most Expensive Bidder Awarded $1.6B Metro Purple Line Extension Contract:

A joint venture of three construction firms was awarded a $1.6 billion contract by the Metro Board of Directors on Thursday to build the first phase of the Metro Purple Line subway extension toward the Westside, despite concerns the venture was by far the most expensive bidder for the project.

The staff of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority recommended last month that the joint venture of Skanska, Traylor Bros. and J.F. Shea — or STS — be awarded the contract to build the 3.9-mile project. The extension will take the line from its terminus at Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue to Wilshire and La Cienega boulevards.

Metro staff noted that that the STS bid was the highest in terms of dollars, but the joint venture’s project management and technical approach scored higher than two other bidders.

Metro noted that the three firms in the venture have more than 300 years of combined experience, including work on the Metro Gold Line Eastside project, the Metro Expo Line extension to Santa Monica and the Regional Connector in downtown Los Angeles.

But those assurances did not silence the concerns of some board members.

Los Angeles County Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas, Mike Antonovich and Don Knabe — all of whom sit on the Metro board — voted against the contract.

Knabe noted that the STS bid was more than $192 million more expensive than the other two that were submitted.

The failed bidders have filed protests which are still being reviewed.

The contract calls for the extension to be completed in October 2024, although STS proposed an early completion schedule that would advance that by almost a year, according to Metro.

According to Metro, the 3.9-mile extension would include underground stations at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega.

The Purple Line, which begins at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, is ultimately planned to reach just beyond Westwood.

in News
<>Related Posts

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150 National Guard...

(Video) ‘World’s Strongest Man’ Champion Pulls Big Blue Bus for 30 feet

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

World-class strongman Martins Licis pulled a 34,680‑pound, 35-feet long, battery electric bus through the Pier to set off Pier 360...

California Highway Patrol Deploys for Independence Day Enforcement Surge

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

All Available Officers to Hit California Highways for Holiday Weekend As Californians gear up for Fourth of July festivities, the...

Court Postpones Arraignment for Driver in Malibu Crash That Killed Four Students

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Fraser Michael Bohm Faces Murder Charges in Fatal PCH Wreck  The arraignment for Fraser Michael Bohm, the 23-year-old man accused...

More Commercial Uses Could Be Coming to RAND Building

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Amendment Unlocks New Opportunities, Secures $5.5 Million in Community Benefits The Santa Monica Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to...

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...