The Northwest Extension Phase II Project, delivered through a joint venture between Kiewit and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., has achieved remarkable industry recognition, earning more than a dozen prestigious awards. The project is a key component of the City of Phoenix’s Transportation 2050 program, a 35-year, multi-modal transportation initiative approved by voters in 2015.
The extension created a new connection for Phoenix travelers from Mesa, Tempe and Downtown Phoenix to the northwest area. This project introduced several “firsts” to the light rail system, including:
- The first aerial station
- The first vehicle parking garage
- The first rail-only bridge over the I-17 freeway
- The first embedded track slab built with steel fiber reinforcement
Other notable additions include several public art displays, three additional light rail stations for passengers to board and exit and 200 newly planted trees.
Thanks to the team’s outstanding commitment to safety, innovation and quality, the project has earned 12 major awards to date, including:
- 2024, ENR’s Southwest Region, Best Project in the Airport/Transit Category
- 2024, ENR’s Southwest Region, Excellence in Safety Award
- 2024, ENR’s Southwest Region, Project of the Year
- 2024, NRC, Large Construction Project of the Year
- 2024, ACEC Arizona, Engineering Excellence Honor Award
- 2025, ACEC, Engineering Excellence Honor Award in the Transportation Category
- 2024, ENR, Best of the Best Project in the Airport/Transit Category
- 2025, AZ AGC, Build Arizona Award in the New Construction Over $50 Million Category
- 2025, WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter, Innovative Transportation Solutions Award
- 2025, Baldwin Group, Build America Merit Award in the Highway & Transportation New $100 million or more Category
- 2025, Baldwin Group, Build America Award, Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering and Collaboration Civil Projects $20M and above Category
- 2025, Arizona Forward, Environmental Excellence Governor’s Award for Arizona’s Future
Nick Wiatrowski, Kiewit Area Manager, praised the collaborative effort:
“Because of the hard work of our team, client, Valley Metro, and joint venture partner, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., we finished this extension under budget and on time. I’m so proud of everyone who made this project successful.”
Tony Santana, Deputy Chief, Design and Construction at Valley Metro, said:
“Through excellent collaboration and partnering between City of Phoenix, Valley Metro, Final Designers and Kiewit, McCarthy Joint Venture this project delivered public transit access west of the Interstate 17 connecting Valley Metro’s first elevated light rail alignment to the Thelda Williams Transit Center. This connection will allow the community and business in the area to thrive now and in the future. Thank you, Kiewit, for being a great partner and helping Valley Metro deliver quality transportation for all in our region.”
