The Association of General Contractors (AGC) and Construction Risk Partners has honored Mid-Coast Transit Constructors with the 2023 Build America Grand Award for the Mid-Coast Corridor project in San Diego, California. As the top prize of the Build America Awards, this award designates the Mid-Coast Corridor as the best construction project in the country for 2023. Tom Brown, AGC’s Vice President and President of Sierra Pacific West, Inc., presented the construction team with the award at a ceremony in the Sheraton La Jolla Hotel on July 26.

“These awards are designed to set a new minimum standard of excellence for the construction industry,” Brown said. “Considering what went into building these projects, that minimum standard is extremely high.”

Mid-Coast Transit Constructors also recently won Build America Awards in the Highway & Transportation New ($20 Million or More) category and the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence ($20 Million or More) category for the Mid-Coast Corridor Project. The Stacy and Witbeck, Herzog, and Skanska joint venture built the 11-mile extension of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit Systems light rail, extending it from the Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego north to the University City community.

The $1.49 billion project included the extension to the system, two commuter and freight railroad double tracking projects, a new bikeway, an arched roadway bridge over Interstate 5, the relocation of a major control point, and improvements to the University of California San Diego campus. The team also installed 92 miles of new light rail double track, eight bridges, a tunnel, and five park-and-ride facilities.

The Mid-Coast Corridor, known for its congested freeways and arterials, is projected to face increased traffic congestion as the region's population and employment rates grow. By 2030, population in the corridor is expected to increase 19%, and employment is expected to increase by 12%. The Mid-Coast Trolley extension serves as a viable alternative to alleviate the burden on the roadways, enhance public transit services and travel options, and improve access to growing employment, education, and residential areas. Mid-Coast Transit Constructors worked early to maximize efficiency for the project, which was delivered on time and within budget.

For 41 years, the Build America Awards have recognized excellence in projects ranging across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure, and federal and heavy industries. The projects are selected by a panel of judges comprised of contractors that look for projects excelling in: state-of-the-art advancement, project management, innovation in construction or use of materials, contribution to the community, client service, overcoming jobsite challenges, environmental sensitivity, and partnering excellence.