The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) has named the Northwest Extension Phase II Project, a 1.6-mile extension of Valley Metro’s light rail line in Phoenix, its Large Project of the Year (projects more than $10 million) award. Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. will be presented the award at the NRC's annual conference in Marco Island, Florida, on January 8, 2025.
The complex project was completed through a joint-venture partnership between Kiewit and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., known as Kiewit-McCarthy, a Joint Venture (KMJV). The project added three new light rail stations and featured a series of “firsts” for Valley Metro, including the first elevated station, rail-only bridge over I-17, a four-story parking garage, and a multi-modal transit center.
KMJV self-performed underground utilities, the bridge overI-17 (the girders were provided by Stinger Bridge and Iron), the Metro Center Station concrete structure, mechanically stabilized earth walls, canal bridge widening, electrical duct bank installation, earthwork, and 1.6 miles (right and left track for a total of 3.2 miles) of rail and track installation throughout the alignment extension. The team also relocated a 48-inch waterline on Dunlap Avenue.
The project faced several significant challenges, including permitting delays, third-party utility relocations, tight construction tolerances for the aerial station, and post-pandemic resource limitations and delays in third-party utility relocations. Despite these challenges, the project was completed on time with zero recordable incidents and was approximately $40 million under budget. The project team attributed the successful outcome to effective planning, value engineering, and collaborative problem-solving.
Valley Metro’s Deputy Chief, Design and Construction Tony Santana affirmed Kiewit-McCarthy joint venture met and exceeded all project objectives, including delivering the first connection of the light rail to the West Valley and integrating key components like the Thelda Williams Transit Center. “Their innovative approach, such as the use of direct fixation track and steel fiber-reinforced concrete, played a significant role in ensuring project success.”
“Despite numerous challenges, including tight construction tolerances and the relocation of over 21,000 linear feet of utilities, Kiewit-McCarthy displayed outstanding problem-solving and collaboration,” noted Santana. “Their application of advanced technologies like Pointman software for underground utility mapping was crucial in overcoming potential delays. Their approach ensured the project was completed ahead of the scheduled timeframe.”
Congratulations to the following major subcontractors and suppliers who contributed to the project's success.
Major Subcontractors
Major Suppliers
“The networking opportunities at the NRC annual conference are phenomenal! My company ended up with a $25 million contract that was cultivated from relationships forged at my very first NRC conference. And those networking opportunities continue today.”
Vice President, Business Development, retired
Railroad Controls, Ltd., a Wabtec company
