The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD)'s West Rail Line project has been named one of the most significant construction projects of 2012 by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

The AGC presented its Alliant Build America Merit Awards March 7 during the association's annual convention in Palm Springs, Calif. The awards are considered by many to be the most prestigious recognition of construction accomplishments in the U.S.

AGC noted that the West Rail Line project was completed eight months ahead of schedule and on budget, thanks to the construction team's commitment to innovation and ingenuity. The line travels through three cities, which required intergovernmental agreements. Denver Transit Construction Group, the project's civil contractor, built 13 bridges, two tunnels, 12 stations and 12 miles of light rail as well as managed numerous challenges related to relocating utilities and property acquisition.

In addition to West Rail Line's national recognition, Lakewood-based Denver Transit Construction Group is one of six firms to receive the Alliant Build America Merit Award.

"RTD is fortunate to have had Denver Transit Construction Group as one of the major contractors on the West Rail Line project," said RTD GM Phil Washington. "They demonstrated hard work, tremendous skill and determination to see this important project through to completion."

The Alliant Build America Merit Awards recognize the nation's most significant construction projects. A panel of judges, representing all areas of construction, evaluated an impressive number of submissions this year, assessing each project's complexity, use of innovative construction techniques and client satisfaction, among other criteria.

The West Rail Line is the first completed line to open in RTD's multi-billion dollar FasTracks transit expansion program. When it opens on April 26, the line will be called the "W" Line and is expected to draw a daily ridership of 19,300.

This 12.1-mile light rail line will run from Denver Union Station through Lakewood and the Federal Center, and to the Jefferson County Government Center in Golden. It will include 12 stations and six Park-n-Rides.