Recognizing Excellence: Award-Winning LAX/Metro Transit Center Project Celebrated by ACEC California

Celebrating Engineering Excellence at LAX/Metro Transit Center

On February 20, 2026, the prestigious Golden State Award was presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC California) to Arup, Mott MacDonald, and JCE Engineering for their exceptional contributions to the LAX/Metro Transit Center project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This recognition marks a significant achievement in the realm of engineering and urban development.

The LAX/Metro Transit Center, which began operations in June 2025, serves as a pivotal multimodal hub linking the airport with LA Metro’s expansive rail and bus networks. With the capability to handle over 45,900 daily boardings, this center not only enhances accessibility to the airport but also promotes sustainable and equitable travel options for both residents and visitors. This initiative is a critical element in addressing the significant traffic congestion that plagues one of the world’s busiest airports.

Designed by the renowned Grimshaw architecture firm in collaboration with Gruen Associates, Arup, and others, the Transit Center is ingeniously crafted to ensure resilience in a seismically active region. The project showcased remarkable engineering feats, including structural design, façade engineering, fire safety systems, sustainability measures, and efficient pedestrian flow.

Arup played a fundamental role in the structural engineering aspects, while Mott MacDonald’s expertise was crucial in developing track design and control systems. JCE Engineering contributed to the structural integrity of ancillary buildings associated with the project. Together, these companies delivered innovative solutions that prioritize resilience, efficiency, and comfort for passengers.

A noteworthy aspect of the project is its commitment to reducing reliance on private vehicles, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and easing traffic in the area. The Metro’s dedication to investing over $150 million in small and diverse business enterprises further emphasizes its commitment to fostering local economic growth and job creation.

Passenger experience was a key design priority. The Transit Center boasts spacious, well-lit concourses, user-friendly wayfinding signage, and real-time travel information that facilitate seamless connections for travelers. Accessibility enhancements, such as elevators, tactile paving, and designated areas for cyclists, ensure that the hub accommodates the needs of all travelers, regardless of their abilities. The design encourages active transportation and integrates bike facilities, reinforcing the center’s focus on sustainability.

The Transit Center aims for a LEED Gold certification, incorporating various sustainable features. Solar panels, native landscaping, and electric bus charging stations are part of this commitment to environmental stewardship. Moreover, California’s favorable coastal climate has allowed architects to utilize passive energy strategies, such as natural ventilation and daylighting, to optimize comfort and minimize energy consumption.

In essence, this project signifies a transformative upgrade for Los Angeles, creating a vital connection between regional transit and international air travel. The LAX/Metro Transit Center sets a benchmark for innovative, equitable infrastructure designed for the future, significantly benefiting the city, its communities, and the millions of individuals who travel through this vital hub each year.

Congratulations are in order for Arup, Mott MacDonald, and JCE Engineering for their well-deserved recognition with ACEC California’s 2026 Golden State Award! This project exemplifies what can be achieved when expertise and commitment to community and sustainability converge.

For those interested in the details of all the winning projects, photographs can be found at the ACEC California’s official website.

About ACEC California

Founded over 70 years ago, ACEC California is a nonprofit association that comprises private consulting engineering and land surveying companies. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the engineering profession while ensuring public safety and promoting private sector involvement in California’s growth and development.