Project Update
The Regional Connector’s Final EIS/EIR was approved by the Metro Board of Directors in April 2012. Metro is currently waiting for the Federal Transit Agency (FTA) to issue the Record of Decision (ROD), which authorizes Metro to continue with project design, land acquisition, and construction.

Once the ROD has been issued, Metro will begin relocating utilities along the alignment and commence real estate discussions focused on securing temporary and permanent easements for properties identified in the EIS/EIR. Concurrent to this process, Metro will continue working with the FTA to secure the “Full Funding Grant Agreement” (FFGA), which is the contractual agreement between Metro and the FTA.  The FFGA outlines the secured funding sources for the project.

Utility relocation activity is scheduled to be completed by late summer 2013, in time for construction to begin on the Regional Connector.   Between the initiation of the utility relocation and construction activities, Metro will publicly circulate a “Request for Qualifications” in order to identify a shortlist of potential teams that will be invited to respond to a “Request for Proposal” to complete the design and construction of the Regional Connector.  The Metro Board of Directors is anticipating awarding the Design/Build contract in 2013.

Construction Process
The overall construction approach for the Regional Connector has not changed from the description in the Final EIS/EIR.  The project will connect the Blue, Exposition, and Gold light rail transit (LRT) lines via a 1.9-mile underground extension, traveling under Flower Street, and turning east under 2nd Street.  The Regional Connector includes the construction of three new stations: 2nd/Hope, 2nd/Broadway, and 1st/Central.

The Regional Connector is expected to open for operations in 2019.  Between now and then, seven steps will take place.  Conceptually, this process includes:
Mobilize Construction Sites
Placement of field offices near construction sites and locations of work areas.
Final Design
Complete final design (with community input) of alignment, stations and station area.
Initiate Construction
Begin excavation of station boxes and Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) insertion areas.
TBM Insertion
The TBM will be inserted into the ground at the “Mangrove Property” located at 1st/Alameda.  The TBM will be towed to the tunnel insertion point located at 1st/Central.
Track Work
With the initiation of boring activities, work can begin to build the tunnel, lay down track, and install the power system (including the installation of the catenary poles and lines).
Station Construction
The station boxes will be constructed using the Cut/Cover approach

Pre-Revenue Testing
Once the rail, power and communication systems, and stations have been installed and constructed, Metro will prepare for opening day by completing required inspections, testing and staff training.
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MMRP)
The Regional Connector MMRP is a relatively detailed document, outlining the process to minimize and mitigate for potential construction and operations impacts.  The MMRP was developed with a tremendous amount of community involvement.  Over the coming months, the Regional Connector Community Leadership Committee (RCCLC) will form and have regularly scheduled meetings.