Denver’s Regional Transport District (RTD) has recommended its board accept a proposal from the GBBH consortium to design and build the city’s North Metro Rail Line.
Although the Graham, Balfour Beatty, Hamon Constructors (GBBH) bid proposes constructing the complete line to 162nd, RTD is instead suggesting building it in phases, with the first section to be constructed to 124th Avenue by January 2018, using the funding that is already available.
The contract will include an option to extend the line its full length once more funding is released.
Phase one of the North Metro Rail Line will extend out from the renovated Union Station through Northglenn and Thornton, terminating at 124th Avenue.
The cost of the first section has been estimated at $343 million, which will be funded through Certificates of Participation (COPs).
RTD general manager Phil Washington said: “We had four sound proposals, but after thorough evaluation, the GBBH proposal provides the best value and allows us to make great strides toward completing another FasTracks project.”
Other bidders for the contract include a Bechtel/Herzog joint venture, North Metro Transit Solutions – a Kiewit/Stacy and Witbeck joint venture – and URS Energy and Construction.
