Edgen Murray’s Role and Contributions
Cost Savings and Scheduling Success
As urban centers expand, the need for advanced infrastructure becomes crucial. The LA Metro Westside Subway Extension – Purple (D) Line stands as a testament to innovative engineering and urban development. This project not only enhances public transportation in Los Angeles but also showcases cutting-edge solutions in tunneling and seismic safety.
Overview of the Purple (D) Line Extension
Located in Los Angeles, CA, the Purple (D) Line Subway Extension is the longest tunneling project in Southern California. Spanning from 2015 to 2023, this $9.5 billion project has been a massive undertaking, divided into three sections to manage its complexity and scale.
Key Project Partners
- LA Metro Transportation Authority: Owner
- STV: Lead Design Firm and Engineer of Record (EOR)
- General Contractors:
- Section 1: Skanska Traylor Shea JV
- Section 2: Tutor Perini O&G JV
- Section 3: Frontier Kemper/Tutor Perini JV
- DBE Steel Fabricators:
- Section 1: EW Corporation
- Section 2: G & C Steel Corporation
- Section 3: Lowers Welding & Fabrication
Products Supplied
Section 1: $3.5M order for below-grade temporary shoring and bracing struts, supplying approximately 4,200 tons of 36” diameter Foreign HSAW ASTM A252-3 steel pipes.
Section 2: $6.7M order for Support of Excavation (SOE) whales and struts, nearly 4,000 tons of W36 and W40 Foreign Fabricated Beams with custom camber and stiffener plates, all ASTM A572 Grade 50, welded to AWS D1.5 Fracture Critical standards.
Section 3:
- $3.8M order for TBM Launch Shaft and Station Deck Beams, supplying approximately 1,600 tons of ASTM A572/A992 Grade 50 W40 Hot Rolled Wide Flange Beams produced and shipped in custom 90’-100’ lengths.
- $2.8M order for Specialized Steel Tunnel Liner Plates, providing almost 1,800 tons of Domestic 100% Melted and Manufactured Custom ASTM A709 Grade 50W Steel Plate, cut, formed, and rolled to a 1/32” tolerance.
Project Sections and Milestones
Section 1: 3 Stations, 3.92 Miles
Projected opening: 2025. Tunneling began in October 2018 with TBMs “Elsie” and “Soyeon.” Despite challenges from methane gas pockets and tar sands, the TBMs reached Wilshire/Western in June 2019 and Wilshire/La Cienega by May 2021.
Section 2: 2 Stations, 2.59 Miles
Projected opening: 2027. Tunneling started in April 2020 with TBMs “Harriet” and “Ruth.” They traversed under Beverly Hills High School and encountered abandoned oil wells, reaching Wilshire/La Cienega by January 2023.
Section 3: 2 Stations, 2.56 Miles
Projected opening: 2028. The most challenging section broke ground in 2021. TBMs “Aura” and “Iris” began in October 2020, tunneling under West Los Angeles neighborhoods, the I405-Freeway, and the Santa Monica seismic fault line, completing in April 2024.
Edgen Murray’s Contribution
The Purple (D) Line Project required a complex specification, including strict seismic and disaster requirements, with the goal of completion before the 2028 Olympics. The challenge of crossing the Santa Monica seismic fault line was met with innovative structural designs and double gasketed steel tunnel liners to withstand seismic shifts up to 6 ½ inches.
Edgen Murray successfully collaborated with domestic and foreign high-performance steel manufacturers and fabrication partners, saving the project over $500K while adhering to the aggressive schedule.
Conclusion
The LA Metro Westside Subway Extension – Purple (D) Line is not just a transportation project; it is a feat of modern engineering, addressing seismic challenges and urban infrastructure needs. Edgen Murray is proud to have contributed to this monumental project, ensuring safety, efficiency, and innovation.
For more insights into our projects and how we can support your infrastructure needs, contact Edgen Murray today!