Infra Insight Blog

The Mineta San José International Airport Terminal Area Improvement Program was selected as the Best Overall Top Project and as the best Transportation Project in Northern California for 2010 by California Construction magazine during its annual statewide competition that recognizes construction and design excellence.  The project represents the first major airport design-build project in California and includes design and construction of a new terminal, access and roadway improvements, parking facilities, tenant relocations, demolition of existing facilities, and improvements to other airport facilities.  We served as special design-build counsel for the project, assisting the City Attorney’s office in negotiating and administering the design-build contract.

The winning design-builder, Hensel Phelps Construction Company and Fentress Architects, was awarded the $513 million contract in late 2006.  Innovative design alternatives were implemented to produce a significant cost savings.  The project also used an integrated building information model (BIM) to reduce construction delays and the number of changes during construction.

The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension Project was selected as the best Transportation Project in Southern California for 2010.  The project extending from Union Station to East Los Angeles, added 6 miles to Metro’s rail system, including 3 light rail lines, a heavy rail subway line, 2 aerial bridges, and 1.7 miles of tunnel.  Both the design-build and design-bid-build methods were used for the project.  Nossaman assisted in the design-build procurement for the $898 million project.  Nossaman also assisted with the preparation and negotiation of cooperative agreements between Metro and various local agencies, utility owners and Caltrans.

The two projects were selected by an independent jury of industry experts in design and construction out of 135 nominated projects.  Awards were based on specific entry criteria, including project management, client service, safety, design and functionality.

The winners will be featured in the magazine’s December 2010 issue, honored at an awards breakfast, and entered in the National Best of 2010 competition to be judged against winners from other regions.