Award-Winning: Granite’s BNSF Needles Third Main Track Project
We are thrilled to announce the successful completion and recognition of the BNSF Needles Third Main Track Project, a landmark achievement in infrastructure development. This remarkable project was recently honored with a 2025 Constructors Award from the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) in the Heavy Civil ($25 million to $50 million) category, solidifying its position as a benchmark for excellence in construction.
This latest recognition adds to an impressive list of accolades the project has received since its inception. In 2024, the project was awarded the California Transportation Foundation’s “Goods Movement Project of the Year” and was honored with the American Council of Engineering Companies’ “Engineering Excellence Awards: National Recognition Award.” It also earned the American Council of Engineering Companies of California’s “Engineering Excellence Awards: Honor Award” and was a finalist for the American Society of Civil Engineers, San Bernardino-Riverside Branch “Project of the Year Award.” These awards underscore the project’s significant impact on transportation infrastructure and the collaborative efforts that made it a success.
Project Scope and Challenges
The BNSF Needles Third Main Track Project involved the construction of a 29-mile third rail line parallel to an existing track in the rugged desert terrain of Needles, California. The project demanded extensive excavation and material handling, including moving 340,000 cubic yards of dirt, 30,000 cubic yards of solid granite rock, and placing 97,000 cubic yards of sub-ballast to stabilize the new track. Additionally, 48 culverts were extended to accommodate the new line, 651 steel piles were driven, and 50 new bridges and crash protection walls were constructed beneath Interstate 40.
One of the most significant challenges faced during construction was the harsh desert environment. The extreme temperatures and remote location made logistics, equipment maintenance, and workforce management particularly demanding. Despite these obstacles, the project team worked diligently to ensure smooth progress while maintaining a high standard of quality and safety.
Another crucial factor was the environmental sensitivity of the area. The project site is home to the Desert Tortoise, a species protected under federal and state regulations. To minimize the environmental impact, Granite implemented a comprehensive Environmental Compliance Plan. This plan included habitat preservation measures, the use of biological monitors, and specialized construction techniques to ensure minimal disruption to the local ecosystem. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, the project successfully balanced infrastructure expansion with ecological responsibility.
Transition to CM/GC Approach
Initially planned as a bid-build project, the BNSF Needles Third Main Track Project transitioned to a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) approach. This shift proved to be a strategic decision that fostered greater collaboration among BNSF, Granite, and other key stakeholders. The CM/GC method allowed for early constructability reviews, proactive risk assessments, and optimized scheduling—all of which contributed to cost savings and project efficiencies.
Through this approach, the team was able to identify potential challenges before they became critical issues. For example, early planning facilitated strategic site access improvements and staging solutions, preventing delays and reducing overall project costs. The CM/GC model also enabled the integration of innovative solutions such as on-site resource management, which helped streamline operations and enhance productivity.
Safety and Coordination Efforts
Given that the project was located along the Southern Transcontinental Railroad (Southern Transcon)—one of the busiest BNSF corridors—meticulous coordination was essential to avoid disruptions to train operations. The team worked in close partnership with BNSF to synchronize construction activities with active rail traffic, ensuring that safety and efficiency remained top priorities.
Safety was a fundamental focus throughout the project. The remote location, coupled with high temperatures and complex excavation work, required rigorous adherence to safety protocols. Despite these challenges, the project achieved an outstanding safety record, with over 82,000 man-hours worked without a single OSHA recordable incident. This achievement reflects the team’s commitment to maintaining a secure work environment and underscores Granite’s dedication to safety excellence in all its projects.
To further enhance safety and efficiency, the project team utilized early material procurement strategies. Given the logistical challenges of transporting materials to the remote site, securing key resources in advance helped mitigate potential delays. Additionally, an innovative solution—drilling a new well to provide construction water—proved invaluable in sustaining operations while minimizing the environmental impact of water transportation.
The Impact of the Project
The successful completion of the BNSF Needles Third Main Track Project represents a significant enhancement to the region’s rail infrastructure. By adding a third track to the Southern Transcon, the project has improved freight efficiency, reduced congestion, and strengthened the overall reliability of rail transportation in the region. These improvements benefit not only BNSF but also the broader transportation network, facilitating more effective movement of goods across the country.
In addition to its logistical advantages, the project contributes to the economic development of the area. The expansion of rail capacity supports industries that rely on efficient freight movement, ultimately fostering growth in trade and commerce. Furthermore, the project generated employment opportunities, providing jobs for skilled construction professionals and reinforcing the importance of infrastructure investment in local economies.
Reflections on Success
Reflecting on the success of the project, Granite Project Manager Evan Garber expressed pride in the collaborative effort that made this achievement possible. “It was an honor to build this project with such a great team, and winning this award is a testament to Granite’s legacy of being America’s Infrastructure Company,” said Garber. “Partnering with BNSF on this project that enhanced rail efficiency on the Southern Transcontinental Railroad was a huge success that took collaborative efforts by all parties involved.”
Garber’s words highlight the essence of the project—collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence. The partnership between BNSF, Granite, engineers, and environmental experts was instrumental in delivering a high-quality project that met all expectations.
