December 17, 2025
"Better Red” MAX Red Line Extension Took Top Honors as ENR Northwest Project of the Year
Project Recognition Highlights CM/GC Delivery Expanding TriMet’s Red Line Across Three Segments with Zero Lost-Time Incidents in Active Corridors
The MAX Red Line Extension and Reliability Improvements Project, known as the Better Red Project, has been named ENR Northwest’s Project of the Year, based on safety performance, construction and design quality, the ability to overcome challenges, and contributions to the industry and community. While the award honors the teams who designed and built the improvements, the greatest benefit goes to the riders who now enjoy more reliable, connected, and sustainable transit service throughout the region.
Completed in 2024 using the CM/GC delivery method, the project expanded TriMet’s light rail service across three key segments. This delivery approach enabled close coordination with TriMet and stakeholders, allowing complex construction to proceed safely while minimizing service disruptions.
- At Portland International Airport, the project rebuilt the terminal platform, added a new double-track section, upgraded utilities, and delivered the region’s first multiuse path directly connecting to the airport, expanding sustainable mobility options for pedestrians and cyclists.
- At Gateway Transit Center, two new bridges were constructed, one over I-84/UPRR and the other over the existing Red Line track, along with a station, track upgrades, and a multiuse path connecting to Gateway Green Park.
- At Hillsboro Fairplex, track and signal upgrades and a new operator layover facility supported extended Red Line service and improved overall system reliability.
Operations were maintained throughout construction, with eight planned shutdowns completed on time or early and no unplanned service impacts over the life of the project. Safety was a core value across the 36-month construction period, with Stacy Witbeck crews completing more than 300,000 work hours with zero recordable or lost-time incidents, supported by detailed planning, new technology, and a strong culture of on-site accountability.
“Thank you, ENR, for recognizing The Better Red Project as the Northwest Project of the Year,” remarked Michael Alexander, Project & Estimating Manager at Stacy Witbeck. “We’re grateful to TriMet for placing their trust in our team and for being a true partner from the earliest planning discussions through final construction.”
“This recognition reflects the full commitment and collaboration of everyone involved,” said Andy Auxier, Pacific Northwest Regional Manager at Stacy Witbeck. “Our thanks go out to TriMet, Parametrix, SOJ, Port of Portland, Oregon Department of Transportation, Portland Parks, City of Hillsboro, Union Pacific Railroad, Modern Railway Systems, O’Neill Construction Group, and McDonald Excavating. Most importantly, thank you to the skilled labor forces who embraced the Stacy Witbeck culture and exceeded all expectations for safety, quality, and integrity every day.”
Delivered on time and within budget despite pandemic-era procurement challenges, the Better Red Project strengthens transit reliability, expands access, and supports a more sustainable future for the Portland region.
The ENR Best Projects program received more than 800 submissions nationwide across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.