US-based infrastructure company Granite has successfully completed the BNSF Needles Third Main Track Project in California, US.
The project, which comprised adding a 29-mile third rail line alongside an existing track, involved excavation and construction efforts.
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The project team moved 340,000 cubic yards of dirt and 30,000 cubic yards of solid granite rock. It also placed 97,000 cubic yards of subballast, extended 48 culverts, drove 651 steel piles, and constructed 50 new bridges and crash protection walls under Interstate 40.
Granite executed an environmental compliance plan to mitigate impacts and protect species such as the desert tortoise.
Initially planned as a bid-build development, the project transitioned to a construction manager/general contractor approach.
This change is claimed to have facilitated enhanced collaboration between North American railroad network operator BNSF, Granite, and other stakeholders, allowing for early constructability reviews and risk assessments.
The strategic planning and environmental considerations is also stated to have led to cost savings, scheduling efficiencies, and minimal ecological disruption.
Early material procurement and innovative solutions such as drilling a new well for construction water were claimed as key to completing the project on time and under budget.
On 7 February, the project was honoured with a 2025 Constructors Award from the Associated General Contractors of California in the Heavy Civil ($25m to $50m) category.
Granite project manager Evan Garber said: “It was an honour to build this project with such a great team, and winning this award is a testament to Granite’s legacy of being America’s Infrastructure Company.
“Partnering with BNSF on this project that enhanced rail efficiency on the Southern Transcontinental Railroad was a huge success that took collaborative efforts by all parties involved.”
Additionally, last month, Granite secured a $78m contract from the California Department of Transportation for an infrastructure project in Orange County in the state.
