Global Best Projects, Award of Merit: AirportLink Metrorail Extension

Photos by Steven Brooke

Two international firms, Odebrecht and OHL, teamed to build the 2.4-mile-long Metrorail extension to Miami International Airport's new intermodal center.

ENR's independent judges noted the $360.4-million project's "incredible challenges" included building over multiple rail lines, state roads and an active waterway, which required some barge-based segment erection. Italian firm Rizzani de Echer fabricated and installed all segmental bridges.

The design of the three-level Metrorail station—which features glass fabricated in Colombia—caught the attention of ENR's judges, with one calling it "visually stunning."

Location Miami

Project Team

Owner Miami-Dade Transit, Miami

Lead Design URS Corp., Miami

General Contractor Odebrecht-OHL Joint Venture, Coral Gables, Fla.

Architect Perez and Perez, Miami

Engineers MEG, Miami; BND Engineers, Miami; SDM Consulting, Coral Gables

Scott Judy is Deputy Editor for Regions, and editor of ENR Southeast, one of Engineering News-Record's 10 Regional publications. His roughly 27 years as a construction journalist began with an 11-year stint covering Midwest construction projects. In 2000, Judy helped launch the publication now known as ENR Southeast. He often delves into controversial aspects of the construction industry such as bankruptcies and fatal accidents, and wishes he would never have to cover another accident but suspects that he might.

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