Skanska USA Inc.’s civil construction business unit has signed a contract for its first transit project in Southern California – a $547 million design-build contract by the Expo Line Construction Authority to construct a seven-mile light rail extension from Culver City to Santa Monica.

The owner and operator of the line is the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO). Parsons Brinckerhoff will provide design services as a subcontractor to the joint venture.

The Skanska-Rados Expo 2 Joint Venture will start construction in the spring with anticipated completion in mid-2015.

Skanska says the contract will include $382.9 million in its first quarter order bookings, its full 70% share of the project.

The scope of work includes 14 miles of track as well as five at-grade stations and two aerial stations. Additionally, the project includes 1 mile of elevated transitway.