HDR selected to lead program management of far-reaching rail expansion in Southern California

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) has selected HDR to provide program management services for Phase 1 of the transformative Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program. The $10 billion capital improvement program, developed to take a proactive approach to growing populations and service demands, will make significant upgrades to the Metrolink system ahead of the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

The first phase of the program, planned through 2023, is focused on the expansion of services on the Orange, Ventura and San Bernardino lines and will involve more than a dozen individual projects including track additions, station and signal improvements. The goal is to achieve 30-minute, bi-directional service in peak periods on the lines. This will enable more frequent and reliable service, and more one-seat rides, with better first/last mile connectivity — all while integrating with other regional and local operators.

As program manager, HDR will provide oversight of projects for Metrolink and undertake key management activities such as project controls, environmental clearance and regulatory permitting, planning and grant management, design management, alternative delivery advisory services, and right of way services. HDR also developed a robust, tailored project management information services dashboard to help Metrolink manage program risk, make informed, defensible decisions and provide real-time program status reporting.

“Metrolink’s far-reaching plan to deliver new levels of service in the coming decades is visionary and exciting,” said HDR Project Manager Tom Horkan, P.E. “We’re thrilled to play a part in helping them create value for residents and exceed their riders’ expectations.”

Drawing from its national expertise, HDR’s services will include contributions from more than 50 staff based in more than 10 offices across the continent. This assignment will add to HDR’s already extensive transit portfolio, including iconic projects in Los Angeles, Toronto, New York, Seattle, Dallas, Honolulu, Denver and more.

HDR had been serving as interim program management consultant for the SCORE program since August 2019. This new contract extends well into Phase 2 of the SCORE program, which is scheduled to be completed in 2028. Metrolink has secured $1.5 billion in funding for initial work and anticipates continued funding in coming years to reach its total expected program budget of $10 billion.

“HDR has served Metrolink since its inception in 1992 by providing engineering services, planning and operations support,” said HDR Global Transit Director Tom Waldron. “This latest contract builds upon that strong foundation, and we look forward to continuing to help bring their ambitious vision to reality.”