September 16, 2025
MAX Red Line Extension Project Recognized with ENR Northwest Best Projects Awards
The MAX Red Line Extension and Reliability Improvements Project, also known as The Better Red Project, has been recognized by Engineering News-Record (ENR) Northwest as part of the 2025 Regional Best Projects. The Better Red Project received two top honors: Best Renovation/Restoration and Excellence in Safety.
The project expanded TriMet’s light rail service to improve reliability, connectivity, and access for riders across the region. The work included three separate but interrelated segments:
- Airport Segment with replacement of the PDX Terminal platform, double-tracking, utility improvements, and adding a multiuse path to Portland International Airport.
- Gateway Transit Center with two new bridges spanning Union Pacific Railroad’s mainline and I-84, and also over the existing Red Line track alignment, along with a new station, track upgrades, and new multiuse pathway connecting to Gateway Green Park.
- Hillsboro Fairplex with track and signal intersection upgrades and a new operator layover facility to accommodate extended Red Line service.
Construction required careful planning to keep TriMet’s light rail service fully operational. Across eight planned service shutdowns, the team coordinated closely with staff, returning trains to service on time or early - every time.
New Red Line connection at Gateway Transit Center links to the Blue Line, provides direct access to Gateway Green Park, and adds a dedicated Red Line platform.
Safety
Over the course of 36 months, crews self-performed more than 300,000 work hours with zero recordable or lost time incidents. Safety planning began in pre-construction and carried through every stage of delivery, from scheduling to means and methods to daily jobsite activities.
The Project’s safety program combined new technology, detailed site planning, and a culture of accountability. Every team member was empowered to submit safety observations, and lessons learned were reinforced in weekly Toolbox Talks and Start Card meetings.
“Your project safety program manual is very comprehensive and quite well thought out and put together, excellent work! I was also very impressed with your use of new technology for planning and executing every phase of this project, you, your team and the company are doing an outstanding job. The tour of your jobsite was also quite impressive - probably the best organized and most professionally operated project that I have seen, especially given the scope of the project.”
Tim Moore, OSHA Safety Consultant
Crews build abutment MSE walls while foundation drilling continues in the background to support the new flyover structure.
Lasting Impact
Delivered on time and within budget despite pandemic-era procurement & escalation challenges, the Better Red Project reflects the collaborative effort of TriMet, the design team, stakeholders, and the construction team.
“As general contractor, we worked alongside TriMet to achieve project goals and deliver a stronger, more reliable MAX Red Line that enhances transit service for the Portland community. Being recognized by ENR Northwest is an honor and a reflection of the dedication shown by everyone involved in bringing this project to the community.”
Reflection from Project Manager, Michael Alexander
Original single-track platform was rebuilt into a true double-track facility and the first multi-use path connection to Portland International Airport.
About the Awards Program
The ENR Northwest Best Projects competition celebrates the most impactful construction efforts across Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. This year, 49 submissions were reviewed by an independent panel of AEC experts, with projects evaluated on innovation, community contribution, design and construction quality, safety performance, and the ability to overcome unique challenges.
Read ENR’s full coverage of the 2025 Northwest Best Projects winners