Contractors attend the pre-bid site walk for Metrolink’s upcoming Rancho Cucamonga and Marengo Siding Extension projects, which are expected to break ground later this year.
Metrolink is advancing a series of strategic investments designed to strengthen reliability, improve service and prepare the system for future growth. From expanding critical rail infrastructure to modernizing asset maintenance and monitoring, these efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to delivering safe, dependable service across Southern California.
Expanding Capacity Along the San Bernardino Line
Metrolink is moving closer to construction on two key infrastructure upgrades along the San Bernardino Line: the Rancho Cucamonga Siding Extension and the Marengo Siding Extension. These projects are critical investments under the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion Program (SCORE) and are designed to improve reliability, safety and service frequency by lengthening existing siding tracks. The additional track will allow trains traveling in opposite directions to pass more efficiently. In Rancho Cucamonga, the project will extend the siding approximately 4,600 feet west of the station and upgrade the at-grade crossings at Hellman Avenue and Archibald Avenue. In Los Angeles, the Marengo Siding Extension will add about 3,325 feet of siding near the Cal State LA Station, easing a long-standing single-track bottleneck and improving operations in a highly traveled corridor.
We expect to bring on a construction contractor for this dual effort in mid-2026, with both projects anticipated to break ground in late 2026. Once underway, construction will focus on new track, signal systems and safety improvements, while maintaining rail service throughout. When completed, these extensions will help unlock greater capacity on the San Bernardino Line, offering better reliability and convenience for riders.
Both projects are scheduled to be completed in early 2028, strategically timed ahead of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Together, the Rancho Cucamonga and Marengo Siding Extensions represent more than track improvements. They are foundational investments in a more reliable, higher-capacity rail network that will better serve riders, reduce delays and support Southern California during one of the largest global events the region has ever hosted.
Modernizing Maintenance Through Data and Technology
At the same time, Metrolink has reached a major milestone in optimizing how we manage and maintain our rail system with the recent implementation of the Trapeze Enterprise Asset Management System. Led by the Transit Asset Management Department in close collaboration with our Operations and Integrated Digital Technology Solutions teams and maintenance partners, this effort consolidates previously siloed tools into a single, unified system of record across all major asset categories. This includes trains, facilities, track, signals, grade crossings and more. For the first time in the agency’s history, all maintenance inspections are captured in one place, replacing paper-based processes with real-time, digital workflows that enable more efficient, consistent operations.
This transformation strengthens Metrolink’s ability to deliver safe and reliable service by improving the accuracy and timeliness of inspections and maintenance activities. The system aligns with federal requirements and equips frontline teams with mobile tools to identify issues, track corrective actions and respond more quickly to potential disruptions. Beyond technology, the rollout reflects a broader shift toward data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration, helping ensure our rail system remains in a strong state of good repair while supporting long-term planning and investment across the network.