Valley Metro light-rail extension named project of the year

The Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) has named Valley Metro's Central Mesa light-rail extension the association's 2016 transportation project of the year among projects worth more than $75 million, the transit agency announced yesterday.

The award recognizes projects that are developed, owned and maintained by public agencies. Criteria used to select winning projects include use of good construction management techniques, completion of the project on schedule, safety performance and demonstrated awareness of safety during construction, according to APWA.

The 3.1-mile extension to Mesa, Ariz., opened in August 2015 and was completed on budget and seven months ahead of schedule, Valley Metro officials said. The route includes four new stations and a 500-space park-and-ride facility.

A joint venture comprising Kiewit Corp. and Mass. Electric Construction Co. served as the design-build contractor for the Central Mesa Extension. Parsons Transportation Group also served as lead designer on the team.