CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aggregate Industries, part of LafargeHolcim in the U.S., has secured the contract to provide concrete for one of the most ambitious public works projects in Minnesota state history, the $2 billion Minneapolis-area Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) extension of the Metro Green Line. The new line will run 14.5 miles from downtown Minneapolis to the suburb of Eden Prairie, Minn., and require construction of 16 new stations, plus the rail infrastructure itself.
It’s also the largest project ever for Aggregate Industries in Minneapolis – up to an estimated 250,000 cubic yards of ready-mix concrete, including Chronolia® High-Early Strength Concrete and Artevia® Decorative Concrete and will require sophisticated engineering planning and support. It includes construction of 44 structures, 29 new bridges (including a cast in place box girder bridge), two cut and cover tunnels, six pedestrian tunnels, 15 at-grade crossings,110 retaining walls, and 153,440 feet of track.
“This win is especially gratifying because it rewards the tremendous – and effective – cooperation among the bid team,” commented Guy Edwards, CEO of the ACM business. “Our sales and operations teams worked together for many months; we got in early, understood the project well, and offered solutions beyond materials – for example, logistics and contingencies. I’m delighted our persistence paid off.”
According to city planners, the LRT project will attract new residential and commercial development, enabling growth in Minneapolis’s Southwest. By 2035, employment is expected to grow 18 percent and the population by 56 percent in the area within a half mile of the stations.
“It’s exciting to be part of this huge project, and in the process, to help build the prosperity and vitality of the Minneapolis area. We are committed to growing here along with the community,” concluded Edwards.
About LafargeHolcim
LafargeHolcim is the leading global building materials and solutions company. It has four businesses: cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete as well as advanced solutions and products that include precast concrete, asphalt and mortar. With its broad portfolio LafargeHolcim solves the toughest challenges facing masons, builders, architects and engineers, bringing industry-leading innovations and services to customers challenged by urbanization, population growth and the demand for sustainability. Headquartered in Switzerland and with leading positions in all regions, LafargeHolcim employs approximately 80,000 employees in around 80 countries and has a portfolio that is equally balanced between developing and mature markets.
In the United States, LafargeHolcim companies include close to 350 sites in 43 states and employ 7,000 people. Our customers rely on us to help them design and build better communities with innovative solutions that deliver structural integrity and eco-efficiency.