The Mid-Coast Corridor construction project, responsible for extending the Blue Line Trolley to UTC and expanding transportation capacity in San Diego, was named the best construction project in the country for 2022. As a result, the project’s contractor, Mid-Coast Transit Constructors, received the overall top prize in the coveted Construction Risk Partners Build America awards.
Senior vice president of the Associated General Contractors of America, Tom Brown, presented the construction team with the award at a ceremony in the Sheraton La Jolla Hotel on July 26.
“You can point to many reasons why this project is the best in the country,” said Brown. “It’s hard to imagine something more complicated than extending a transit line across the many hills and valleys around here. The side work affected countless homes and businesses, not to mention integrated with UC San Diego.”
The $1.49 billion project also won a Build America award for the best new highway and transportation project valued at $20 million or more and a merit award in the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence category.
On time and within budget, the team was able to extend the Blue Line Trolley, complete two commuter and freight railroad double-tracking projects, add a new bikeway, construct an arched roadway bridge over Interstate 5, and integrate the UC San Diego campus into the route.
Over the course of the project, the crew installed a total of 92 miles of new light rail double track, eight bridges, a tunnel, and five park-and-ride facilities. These additions come in preparation for the forecasted 12 percent increase in employment and 19 percent increase in population within the area by 2030.
Usually awarded during the association’s annual convention, Brown made an exception due to the exceptional accomplishments of the project. Instead, the award was given out during a celebratory event for the construction crew.
“This project is an absolute unicorn. It’s hard to think of another transit or highway project of this scope that was completed on time and on budget,” said Brown. “Our broader objective for these awards is to inspire the broader industry. We put a spotlight on these projects because we want to educate and encourage the rest of the industry to learn from your successes and emulate them.”
