Granite Secures Major Contract to Transform Perris South Metrolink Station and Layover Facility
Granite has been awarded a significant contract to modernize and expand the Perris South Metrolink Station and Layover Facility, a critical infrastructure project aimed at strengthening rail service reliability and meeting rising commuter demand along the State Route 91/Perris Valley Line in Riverside County, California. The project, valued at approximately $24 million, was officially granted by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and will be funded through local sources. Granite expects the contract value to be reflected in its fourth-quarter CAP.
The Perris South Station, which currently operates as a single-track terminus, faces substantial operational limitations that hinder train frequency and movement efficiency. With only one track available for arrivals and departures, the station commonly experiences bottlenecks that restrict Metrolink’s ability to maintain smooth bidirectional service. As commuter demand continues to increase across the Inland Empire, these constraints have become more pronounced, underscoring the importance of infrastructure upgrades that can support long-term transit growth.
The newly awarded project will convert Perris South into a more flexible, high-capacity rail hub capable of supporting enhanced peak-hour service and greater operational resilience. The improvements are intended not only to address existing service gaps but also to prepare the region for anticipated population and ridership growth in the years ahead.
Granite Vice President of Regional Operations, Bill Moore, emphasized the company’s long-standing partnership with RCTC and Metrolink as an essential foundation for undertaking a project of this magnitude. “This project builds on our successful partnership with RCTC and Metrolink and leverages Granite’s core strengths in heavy civil construction and rail,” Moore stated. “With our recent completion of a comparable project only 13 miles away at March Field Station in Moreno Valley, we are uniquely equipped to address the expanding commuter rail requirements of the region.”
The project will incorporate a range of improvements designed to streamline operations, enhance safety, modernize facilities, and increase the station’s overall passenger-handling capacity. Several of the most notable features include:
1. Construction of a Second Passenger Platform and New Station Track
One of the central components of the upgrade is the addition of a second boarding platform, which will be paired with approximately 1,100 to 1,200 feet of new station track. This dual-platform configuration will enable two trains to load and unload passengers at the same time, a capability that the current single-track design does not allow. This improvement not only reduces dwell times but also helps maintain seamless operations in scenarios where one train may be delayed or temporarily out of service. The increased flexibility is expected to significantly boost overall service reliability along the SR-91/PVL corridor.
2. Extension of the Existing Passenger Platform
To accommodate longer, eight-car Metrolink trains, the existing platform will be extended and upgraded. These enhancements will allow the station to serve larger passenger volumes more comfortably and safely. The extension also includes improvements to passenger amenities, such as enhanced platform canopies for weather protection, upgraded electronic information displays, and new emergency communication systems. Collectively, these upgrades aim to improve the passenger experience and increase operational efficiency.
3. Enhanced Pedestrian Safety Measures
A new pedestrian at-grade crossing will be added to facilitate safe access between the two platforms. This crossing will feature active warning gates and flashing signal lights, adhering to the highest safety standards for rail-adjacent infrastructure. These measures are critical for minimizing pedestrian risk and ensuring compliance with regional and national rail-safety guidelines.
4. Expansion of the Layover Facility
The project also includes substantial upgrades to the layover facility, which serves as a staging area for trains between service periods. The addition of a fourth layover track and upgraded switching infrastructure will enable more trains to be stored and prepared for service overnight. This added capacity enhances operational flexibility and ensures that adequate rolling stock is available during peak demand periods.
Strategic and Environmental Benefits
Beyond improving rail performance, the upgrades at Perris South align with broader regional goals to reduce roadway congestion and support sustainable transportation. By increasing the capacity and reliability of commuter rail service, the project offers a practical alternative to heavily trafficked freeway corridors such as SR-91 and Interstate 215. Encouraging more commuters to shift from personal vehicles to rail transit can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to improved air quality across the Inland Empire.
The improved facility is expected to play a key role in supporting long-term regional mobility strategies, particularly as Riverside County continues to experience rapid population growth. With enhanced rail infrastructure, transportation authorities will be better positioned to meet the travel needs of residents while promoting sustainable, environmentally responsible mobility solutions.
For Granite, the project represents an important strategic achievement. It underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the rail infrastructure sector and strengthening its presence in Southern California’s Inland Empire. By leveraging its expertise in heavy civil construction and its recent experience delivering similar projects in the region, Granite continues to position itself as a leading partner in modernizing California’s transportation networks.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
