Skanska-Stacy Witbeck joint venture breaks ground on East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project

LOS ANGELES, CA – Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, and Stacy Witbeck celebrated the groundbreaking of the major construction phase of the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project. The marking of a milestone was held at Van Nuys Civic Center in Van Nuys, California, and brought together the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), civic leaders and community members to mark the start of major construction on a line that will connect San Fernando Valley residents to the Metro network.

“At this groundbreaking ceremony, we put shovels in the ground to represent the work our team will put in over the next six years to build a light rail that connects the communities along Van Nuys Boulevard,” said James Bailey, executive vice president of Skanska USA Civil’s West Coast Operations. “Attending the event alongside local and city leaders, construction partners and other stakeholders reinforced the importance of continued collaboration and communication as we enter the major construction phase.” 

The $2.43 billion contract includes the construction of a 6.7-mile, street-level light rail along Van Nuys Boulevard; a 26-acre rail and maintenance facility; 11 new stations with shade structures; and utility relocations and improvements.

When completed, the project will improve north-south mobility in the East San Fernando Valley, connecting residents to work, school and health care while connecting the area to the broader Los Angeles transit network. Trains are expected to run every seven to 10 minutes during peak hours, providing a more reliable alternative to driving. The light rail is projected to increase local business activity and reduce emissions by taking cars off the road. 

“A groundbreaking marks the start of construction, but this project represents something much bigger for the community. Hearing firsthand how this light rail line will improve access to schools, jobs, health care and neighboring communities reinforces why this work matters. We’re proud to help build infrastructure that will connect people and serve this community for decades to come,” said Clayton Gilliland, president of Stacy Witbeck. 

Skanska and Stacy Witbeck both have a history of delivering complex infrastructure projects in Los Angeles. They have been joint venture partners on five infrastructure and rail projects across Southern California including the Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement Project in downtown Los Angeles. Together, the firms bring technical expertise and engaged leadership to this project.

As part of the project’s community engagement, the Skanska-Stacy Witbeck joint venture conducts a San Fernando Transit Constructors Careers Academy. This is a program that offers professional development courses for individuals living in and around the project footprint who are interested in careers in construction. 

Construction is scheduled for completion in early 2032.

Photo credit: ALAS Media