Skanska-Stacy Witbeck JV breaks ground on $2.43B LA light rail

Construction has started on the $2.43 billion East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit project in Van Nuys, California, according to a Monday news release from Stockholm-based Skanska.

A joint venture of Skanska and Alameda, California-based Stacy Witbeck is delivering the line for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The JV signed a $1.9 billion construction contract with LA Metro in August. Skanska pegged its share at $957 million, a roughly even split with Stacy Witbeck. The $2.43 billion figure covers the total project cost, including preconstruction.

LA Metro, civic leaders and community members marked the kickoff with a dirt-turning ceremony at the Van Nuys Civic Center.

"A groundbreaking marks the start of construction, but this project represents something much bigger for the community," Clayton Gilliland, president of Stacy Witbeck, said in the release. "Hearing firsthand how this light rail line will improve access to schools, jobs, health care and neighboring communities reinforces why this work matters."

What does the project include?

The scope covers a 6.7-mile, 11-station, street-level light rail running along Van Nuys Boulevard. It also includes:

• A 26-acre rail and maintenance facility
• Shade structures
• Utility relocations

Once complete, the line will improve mobility across the East San Fernando Valley. Trains are expected to run every seven to 10 minutes during peak hours.

What does this change for local workers?

The JV will run the San Fernando Transit Constructors Careers Academy. The program offers professional development courses for people living near the project footprint who want construction careers. That's a direct pipeline from a $2.43 billion public investment into local employment.

A familiar team for LA transit

Skanska and Stacy Witbeck aren't new partners in the region. The firms have previously teamed on five infrastructure and rail projects in Southern California, per the release. Their track record includes the Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement Project in downtown Los Angeles.

Construction on the light rail is scheduled for completion in early 2032, giving the JV roughly seven years to deliver one of LA Metro's major Valley transit links.