RTD West Rail Line named one of most significant construction projects

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Regional Transportation District flickr

The Denver, Colo., Regional Transportation District (RTD) West Rail Line project has been named one of the most significant construction projects of 2012 by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

The AGC presented its Alliant Build America Merit Awards March 7, 2013, during the association’s annual convention in Palm Springs, Calif.

AGC noted that the West Rail Line project was completed eight months ahead of schedule and on budget, due to the construction team’s commitment to innovation and ingenuity. The line travels through three cities, which required intergovernmental agreements. Denver Transit Construction Group, the project’s civil contractor, built 13 bridges, two tunnels, 12 stations and 12 miles of light rail, as well as managed numerous challenges related to relocating utilities and property acquisition.

“RTD is fortunate to have had Denver Transit Construction Group as one of the major contractors on the West Rail Line project,” said RTD General Manager Phil Washington. “They demonstrated hard work, tremendous skill and determination to see this important project through to completion.”

“We are honored to be recognized for this prestigious award and proud to have contributed to the successful completion of the West Rail Line,” said Denver Transit Construction Group Project Manager John West.

The West Rail Line is the first completed line to open in RTD’s multi-billion dollar FasTracks transit expansion program. When it opens on April 26, the line will be called the “W” Line and is expected to draw a daily ridership of 19,300.

This 12.1-mile light-rail line will run from Denver Union Station through Lakewood and the Federal Center and to the Jefferson County Government Center in Golden. It will include 12 stations and six Park-n-Rides.

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