U.S. 90A at S.H. 99 Project in Sugar Land Nears Finish
By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT
The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) $47 million U.S. 90A at State Highway 99 project, which began in September 2023, features SER Construction Partners LLC building a 546-ft.-long, four-lane bridge directly beneath the S.H. 99 bridge in Sugar Land to relieve congestion in a heavily traveled area.
The project’s anticipated delivery date is June 2026.
This project was financed with Category 2 funding — Metropolitan and Urban Area Corridor Projects. Category 2 addresses mobility and added capacity projects on urban corridors to mitigate traffic congestion, as well as traffic safety and roadway maintenance or rehabilitation.
The project includes the construction of 0.98 mi. of frontage roads to serve travelers who prefer not to use the main lanes or bridge, upgrades to drainage infrastructure and the building of retaining walls and sidewalks.
The new five-span structure spans the southbound and northbound S.H. 99 frontage roads and is expected to improve traffic flow across the U.S. 90A/S.H. 99 intersection, according to TxDOT.
“Eastbound or westbound through traffic along U.S. 90A will flow free, while turning traffic would be required to use the intersection to access S.H. 99,” Costas Georghiou, a principal with Houston-based engineering firm PGAL Inc., told Construction Equipment Guide. “Currently, there are significant congestion issues due to the significant turning traffic. Approximately 27,000 vehicles use the current intersection daily, with a significant portion turning to and from S.H. 99.
A significant part of the project is occurring at night.
“The project has been in planning since before 2010, with the schematic approved in January 2013,” Georghiou said. “This intersection is very important to the local and regional traffic as, until this project is completed, significant congestion impacts both the turning and thru traffic along U.S. 90A. A direct connector further relieving turning issues is currently in the planning stages.”
“A major issue was designing storage and mitigation for the depressed area and designing drilled shaft retaining walls along the UPRR to support current and future tracks,” he said. “The frontage road pavement was designed for a 30year lifespan. The proposed bridge design was chosen for economy and speed of installation.”
Status Report
SER Construction has completed the eastbound and westbound U.S. 90A frontage roads; all the bridge substructures; and the MSE retaining wall structures on each side of the bridge. That allows for the necessary embankment to raise the roadway approaching the bridge to the overpass elevations.
The new U.S. 90A overpass is being constructed beneath the existing S.H. 99 overpass, which created overhead clearance issues and constraints.
Heavy Equipment Used and Rebuilt Parts
Overspin
Agricultural Tractors
2023 JOHN DEERE 6R165....................$242,000
2022 JOHN DEERE 6R 155....................$189,500
2015 JOHN DEERE 6215R....................$120,000
(3) 2020-2023 JOHN DEERE 6130M..From $115,000 (4) 2018-2024 JOHN DEERE 6120M....From $74,500
2022 JOHN DEERE 5125M ....................$125,000
2023 JOHN DEERE 5115M......................$98,500 (3) 2021-2023 JOHN DEERE 5100M....From $81,000
Artic Trucks
(2) 2025 CAT 745..................................$CALL (4) 2022-2025 CATERPILLAR 725....From $339,500 (9) 2023-2024 ROKBAK RA30....................$CALL (5) 2023 ROKBAK RA40............................$CALL
Attachments
(3) CATERPILLAR 293-5556 LIFTS........$2,000 Ea.
CATERPILLAR D6 ANGLE BLADE................$5,000
CATERPILLAR D8T ANGLE BLADE..............$7,500 CATERPILLAR D10T SS RIPPER..................$CALL CATERPILLAR ANGLE BLADE....................$7,500 CATERPILLAR WINCH..............................$CALL 2022 NPK GH18 HAMMER........................$CALL PACCAR PA140-316V WINCH ....................$CALL PACCAR PA110VS245 WINCH....................$5,000
Compactors - Padfoot/Smooth Drum
(5) 2022-2025 CATERPILLAR 815....From $635,000 (3) 2018-2022 CATERPILLAR CP56BFrom
Telescopic Forklifts
(5) 2025 JLG AG925......................$169,500 Ea.
Crawler Loaders
(4) 2021-2022 CATERPILLAR 963....From $279,500
(2) 2024 CAT 953 LGP............................$CALL
Crawler Carriers
(2) 2019-2020 MOROOKA MST4000VDFrom $219,500
2018 MOROOKA MST3000VD................$159,500
(3) 2018-2019 MOROOKA MST2200VDFrom $119,500
Dozers - Crawler
(3) 2023-2024 CATERPILLAR D10....From $1,695,000 (2) 2023 CATERPILLAR D9..........From $1,375,000
(4) 2019-2023 CATERPILLAR D8........From $675,000 2023 CATERPILLAR D7..............................$CALL
(2) 2020-2025 CATERPILLAR D6......From $269,500
(12) 2020-2025 CATERPILLAR D6 LGP From $389,500
2020 CATERPILLAR D6 XL....................$255,000
(3) 2023-2025 CATERPILLAR D5......From $399,500
2023 CATERPILLAR D4........................$249,500
(2) 2022-2023 CATERPILLAR D3......From $159,500
2022 CATERPILLAR D2........................$169,500
2017 KOMATSU D61EXi-24....................$149,500
(4) 2023 KOMATSU D71PXi-24........From $359,500
Motor Graders
(2) 2022 CATERPILLAR 16............From $945,000
CATERPILLAR 14M3....................$289,500
CATERPILLAR 14........................$765,000
(4) 2023-2025 CATERPILLAR 150....From $439,500
Dozers - Wheel
2015 CATERPILLAR 834K......................$285,000
Water Equipment - Tower/Tanks (3) 2024-2025 KLEIN
Excavators - Crawlers
(2) 2022 CATERPILLAR 395-07........From $945,000
(2) 2020-2022 CATERPILLAR 374FL..From $595,000 (6) 2021-2025 CATERPILLAR 352....From $427,500
2019 CATERPILLAR 349FL....................$379,000
2022 CATERPILLAR 349......................$409,500
2022 CATERPILLAR 340......................$379,500
(4) 2019-2025 CATERPILLAR 336....From $139,500
(2) 2023 CATERPILLAR 330-07..........$309,500 Ea.
2020 CATERPILLAR 326-07..................$269,500
2020 CATERPILLAR 320......................$189,500
2017 CATERPILLAR 316FL....................$139,500 (2) 2023 CATERPILLAR 306CR..........From $82,500
2021 CATERPILAR 305E2......................$71,500
2023 HITACHI ZX690LC-7......................$659,500
Rigid Frame Trucks
(2) 2017 CATERPILLAR 772G............$295,000 Ea.
Skid Steers - Track
(2) 2021-2024 CATERPILLAR 299D3 XEFrom $62,500
2022 CATERPILLAR 299D3 XPS................$92,500
2022 CATERPILLAR 299D3......................$89,500
2025 CATERPILLAR 285..........................$CALL
(4) 2025 CATERPILLAR 275 XPS................$CALL (2) 2025 CATERPILLAR 275XE....................$CALL (5) 2026 CAT 275 SKID STEER..................$CALL
Brownsville Port Touts First Gulf Coast Refinery in 50 Years
The Port of Brownsville announced on March 11, 2026, the America First Refining project, which will be the first new U.S. Gulf Coast oil refinery in nearly 50 years.
The refinery, to be built on more than 240 acres within the port, will process 100 percent domestic shale oil using advanced, hydrogen-powered systems to produce ultra low carbon fuels.
According to America First Refining, the project will create 500 direct full-time jobs, with projected annual salaries ranging from $80,000 to $100,000. Thousands more indirect jobs are expected across construction, logistics and long-term operational support industries, representing one of the most significant industrial investments in South Texas history.
A contractor for the project, which is slated to break ground in April 2026, wasn’t named.
Port leadership said it has worked on the project for more than 10 years.
“This announcement is a defining moment for our region,” said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra. “America First Refining chose us because we have the land, the infrastructure, the workforce and the commitment to get it done. This is exactly the kind of transforma-
Port of Brownsville photo (L-R): Brownsville Navigation District Secretary John Reed, Commissioner Ernesto Gutierrez, Chairman Esteban Guerra, Commissioner John Wood and Vice Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez pose at the March 11, 2026, announcement of the America First Refinery project at the Port of Brownsville.
tive investment that strengthens our economy and creates real opportunity for South Texas families.”
The Port of Brownsville provides America First Refining with deepwater channel access, direct dock and rail connectivity, cargo-handling capabilities and for-
eign trade zone status advantages that position the port as one of the fastest-growing industrial corridors on the Gulf Coast.
The port is the only deep-water seaport directly on the U.S.-Mexico border and encompasses 40,000 acres.
The port transships more steel into
Mexico than any other U.S. port and is home to energy, shipbuilding and ship recycling industries. It ranks No. 41 among the Top 150 U.S. maritime ports for waterborne cargo, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Activity at the port is responsible for adding more than $1 billion to the Rio Grande Valley regional economy and more than $12 billion to the Texas economy, and the creation of more than 100,000 jobs statewide.
“This project strengthens the Port of Brownsville as a critical U.S. energy logistics hub and elevates the entire Rio Grande Valley on the national and international stage,” said Port Director and CEO William Dietrich. “We are proud to support America First Refining and to build stronger foundations for the future of this region.”
America First Refining emphasized its environmental commitments as a central component of the project.
The facility will integrate hydrogen-powered technologies and advanced clean-fuel systems designed to minimize emissions and meet or exceed all federal and state regulatory standards. The company is working with federal, state and local agencies to secure the necessary environmental permits, a process the port is uniquely positioned to support.
TxDOT Reports February as Month of Major Progress
From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported significant progress on major transportation projects in February 2026, with new construction, milestone openings and critical safety upgrades completed across the state.
Here are a few details.
Major Projects Advance in West Texas, Panhandle
In the Panhandle, TxDOT announced construction is set to begin on a $99 million upgrade to U.S. 87 in Hartley and Moore counties. The project will convert the existing highway into a fourlane divided roadway with center turn lanes from U.S. 385 to Farm-
to-Market 2589 near Dumas.
The improvements are designed to enhance mobility, increase traffic capacity and improve safety. The project is set to be completed by 2030.
Central Texas Sees Expansion, Traffic Shifts
In Central Texas, construction began on a $107.5 million widening project along U.S. 190 in Copperas Cove. The project will expand the roadway from two lanes to a four-lane divided highway, reconstruct key intersections and add a new overpass to increase long-term capacity. Work is expected to continue through early 2029.
In Belton, TxDOT launched a $2.5 million shared-use path project near Lake Belton High School, adding sidewalks and crosswalks along FM 2483 to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. The federally funded project is expected to be completed in early 2027.
Meanwhile in Austin, TxDOT permanently closed two exits
along Interstate 35 near downtown to accommodate the opening of a new Riverside Drive bypass lane, as part of the transformative I-35 Capital Express Central project.
The long-term project will reconstruct and lower I-35 through central Austin, add carpool lanes and enhance bike and pedestrian infrastructure to help ease congestion along one of the state’s busiest corridors.
East Texas Celebrates Milestone
In East Texas, officials gathered to celebrate the completion of the $141 million Diboll Relief Route, a project decades in the making and a key component of the future Interstate 69 corridor. The new route is expected to reduce congestion, improve hurricane evacuation capacity and enhance traffic safety in Diboll and Angelina County.
In La Grange, TxDOT reopened the historic truss bridge on Business 71 after more than two years of rehabilitation. The opening restores traffic flow while
maintaining the newer concrete bridge to provide multiple ways to cross the river.
Houston, San Antonio See Key Improvements
In Houston, the Katy Freeway reopened early after TxDOT completed repairs to the Houston Avenue bridge ahead of schedule. The eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 had been temporarily closed, but crews finished repairs sooner than anticipated, minimizing disruption for drivers.
In San Antonio, the final flyover ramp at the Loop 1604 and Interstate 10 interchange opened to traffic, marking a major step toward completion of the multiyear project. All eight flyovers were opened in less than 14 months, well ahead of schedule. The interchange overhaul is now approximately 70 percent complete, with full completion expected in 2027. (This article is reprinted courtesy of the Texas Department of Transportation.)
Texas Department of Transportation photo
Concrete pillars with steel reinforcement go up for future elevated road construction at White Oak Bayou.
IT DE GET A
DONE. EAL.
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Balfour Beatty Starts Work On I-30 ‘The Canyon’ Project
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Dallas officials broke ground on the $888 million Interstate 30 project through the city that will provide better east-west traffic flow between Interstate 35E and Interstate 40 in Dallas — an area known as “The Canyon,” nbcdfw.com reported.
Balfour Beatty originally announced on April 24, 2025, that it was awarded the contract by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to reconstruct part of Interstate 30 through Dallas.
Balfour Beatty will reconstruct a 2.3-mi. section of the route on the east side of Dallas County. Upon completion, the scheme will increase the number of general-purpose lanes from six to 12 to improve congestion
and connectivity across the city. The average daily traffic count on that stretch is 234,500 vehicles.
“It’s going to go from six lanes total, main lanes, to 12 lanes,” TxDOT Dallas District spokesperson Tony Hartzel told nbcdfw.com.
“So, we are adding some capacity. We are improving some street grid connections, both above the highway and the ramping off into downtown and other areas.”
The company will construct nine crossings that will link I-30 with the Southern Gateway, the Interstate 35E Lowest Stemmons and The Horseshoe, all of which Balfour Beatty has completed on behalf of the TxDOT
over the last five years.
Brian Barth, TxDOT’s deputy executive director, told wfaa.com that the work represents a long-term vision for the corridor.
“There are a lot of positive changes coming, and I'm proud to be here as part of the vision for the next generation of I-30,” Barth said.
This contract award follows Balfour Beatty's appointment by TxDOT to rebuild part of I-35 through Austin. The contract, valued at $746 million, was awarded in November 2024. Construction is estimated to last five years.
(All photos courtesy of the Texas Department of Transportation.)
PIRTEK Angleton Expands Coverage Along Gulf Coast
Brandon Jones, president of PIRTEK Angleton
PIRTEK continues its strategic growth across the Texas Gulf Coast with the opening of a new location in Angleton, strengthening hydraulic and industrial hose service coverage south of Houston.
The PIRTEK Angleton, which opened at the end of January 2026, represents another milestone for franchise owner Brandon Jones, who began his career more than 20 years ago as a mobile technician and worked his way through sales and management before becoming a business owner.
PIRTEK Angleton operates as a mobile service-only location and marks Jones’ fourth location. The territory is supported by two dedicated technicians, Michael Huntsman and Adam Ahquin, each operating separate mobile service vans.
The service area includes Angleton, Clute, Freeport, Bay City and Lake Jackson, covering nearly all geographic areas south of State Highway 6 to the coast.
The PIRTEK Angleton team provides onsite hydraulic hose removal and fabrication, industrial hose supply, steel tubing, cylinders, quick disconnects, adapters, custom fabrication and additional services.
“Field technicians go through about four to six weeks of training locally with our more tenured technicians from our other PIRTEK locations, and then we send them to Florida for certified training through the corporate office,” Jones said. “These guys are ready to go.”
The expansion is rooted in customer service principles, according to Jones.
“It’s all about customer service,” he said. “We treat people the way we like to be treated. We do what we say we’re going to do when we say we’re going to do it.”
Being available 24/7/365 with a one-hour ETA remains one of the company’s guiding service principles, reinforcing PIRTEK’s focus on minimizing equipment downtime for contractors and industrial customers across the Gulf Coast.
Growth plans are already in motion beyond PIRTEK Angleton. Jones also is preparing to convert his PIRTEK Rosenberg mobile service-only location into a Service & Supply Center later this year.
With PIRTEK Angleton now operational and additional expansion on the horizon, PIRTEK continues to build its hydraulic and industrial hose service footprint across southeast Texas, positioning itself to meet increasing market demands.
Liebherr Delivers LR 1400 SX Crawler Crane to Groves Equipment
At ConExpo 2026, Groves Equipment Rental Co. Inc. took delivery of their third Liebherr LR 1400 SX crawler crane.
Established in 1955, the fourth-generation family-owned Texas based company has offered heavy lifting solutions for more than 70 years at a variety of project sites including LNG plants, oil refineries and energy infrastructure along the Gulf Coast.
Built on customer service with multiple trained mechanics and a fleet of service trucks ready at a moment’s notice, the company is known for quick and efficient problem solving. In addition, Groves Equipment Rental offers multiple cranes with the acquisition of Liebherr LR 1400 SX crawler crane as a perfect complement to their fleet of customizable options.
Groves Equipment Rental noted that the main criteria of this purchase included the market demand for a 440-ton crawler crane as well as its commonality in assembly, parts and operation with the existing LR 1300.1 SX crawler crane. Equipped with main boom and luffing jib, it will support many energy infrastructure projects along the Gulf Coast.
Heavy Lifting Solutions
The Liebherr LR 1400 SX crawler crane offers a range of applications ensured by a modular counterweight system and a variety of possible boom configurations. As a multipurpose crane, the LR 1400 SX can be used across a variety
Rental at ConExpo
of industries including infrastructure with bridges or tunnels, constructing stadiums or factories with steel or precast concrete elements, working in the energy sector, lifting work on tall buildings or barge applications.
With a compact transport weight, the complete crane can be transported between job sites as the platform and railings remain attached to the uppercarriage. The flexibility and mobility of the crane also is beneficial in tight spaces. The four crawler drives make it easier to maneuver the LR 1400 SX on job sites where space is tight. Due to the track width adjustment, access on narrow roads is simplified.
The LR 1400 SX also offers a self-assembly system, gradient travel aid, ground pressure visualization, boom-upand-down assistant as well as easy access to the modern cab.
For more information, visit liebherr.com.
Orion Takes Delivery of New Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX Crawler Crane at ConExpo 2026
delivered an LR 1300.1 SX crawler crane to Orion at ConExpo 2026. The LR 1300.1 SX provides a lifting solution for a wide range of projects across Orion’s marine and infrastructure portfolio.
Headquartered in Texas, Orion is a specialty construction company with more than 100 years of experience delivering marine, industrial and concrete solutions. The company supports transportation and maritime infrastructure, dredging and complex concrete construction projects nationwide, across the Pacific and Caribbean.
With this delivery, Orion now operates six Liebherr cranes, including three HS duty cycle crawler cranes and three LR crawler cranes. The LR 1300.1 SX expands the company’s lifting capacity and supports its commitment to delivering projects with predictable excellence.
The Preferred Choice
“Crawler cranes are the ideal choice as the construction industry’s heavy-
weights, effortlessly navigating every terrain,” Liebherr said. “Optimal for the heavy-duty marine construction and dredging operations Orion specializes in, Liebherr crawler cranes bring the power and finesse needed to get the job done.”
The newest generation of the LR 1300 has a lifting capacity of max. 331 tons. The Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX crawler crane has many new assistance systems, which both increase operational safety as well as simplify handling, according to Liebherr. With the new cab design, the crane appears elegant in design and with many features for high operator comfort.
With much of their cranes mounted on barges for dredging or marine construction operations, Orion required a machine
with the handling required for such difficult applications. The control system developed by Liebherr includes all operating and control functions of the crane and permits safe and secure lifting. The Liebherr litronic software automatically calculates load capacities during barge-based operation and when operated with a Liebherr piletilting device installed, the LR 1300.1 SX effectively raises and sets piles in place.
For more information, visit liebherr.com
PIRTEK photo
Liebherr
Liebherr photo
Texas-based Groves Equipment Rental Co. Inc. took delivery of a Liebherr LR 1400 SX crawler crane at ConExpo 2026.
Liebherr photo
Liebherr
1300.1 crawler crane to Orion Group Holdings during ConExpo 2026.
Niece 8,000 gallon water tanks
installed on 40 ton Articulated Off Highway chassis. This combination is the workhorse of the dust control and water needs for quarries and large construction sites
The NWT9500 9500 Gallon water tank mounted on articulated truck. Pictured: Deere 460E with 9,500 gallon tank. Tanks come with 6X5 pumps.
April (issue 7) Paving, Compaction and Milling
December (issue 25) Trailers Next
May (issue 9) Skid Steers, CTLs, Mini & Compact Equipment
June (issue 11) Attachments
July (issue 13) Electric Equipment
August (issue 15) Wheel Loaders, Tool Carriers & Attachments
August (issue 17) Backhoes and Attachments
September (issue 19) Utilities: Trenching, Compressors, Generators and Light Towers
October (issue 21) Off-Road Trucks, Dumpers & Mining Equipment
November (issue 23) Dozers, Crawler Loaders
Bigge Celebrates Anniversary With Multiple Liebherr Cranes
Bigge Crane and Rigging Co. took delivery of multiple Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX crawler cranes at ConExpo 2026.
This handover not only highlights Bigge’s 110th anniversary, but marks the milestone of the 175th Liebherr LR 1300 to be delivered to the United States-based company, making Bigge the owner of the most Liebherr Nenzing crawler cranes in the world, including more than 100 LR 1300s. This delivery also highlights Bigge’s long-term partnership and their deep commitment to Liebherr.
With this latest handover, Bigge’s “Perfect Fleet” offers more than 200 Liebherr crawler cranes. In addition, the company has more than 20 United States locations providing one of the largest and most versatile crane fleets in the world. Bigge’s fleet has grown to more than 2,000 machines, and is the largest, bare rental mobile crane fleet in the world.
Bigge works on a variety of large-scale project sites with most notable accomplishments including historic infrastructure projects like the Golden Gate Bridge, modern metropolitan high-rise buildings, stadiums, sports arenas, nuclear power plants, industrial facilities, tech campuses and wind farms.
Next Gen of Heavy Lifting
According to Liebherr, crawler cranes are the ideal choice as the construction industry’s heavyweights, navigating every terrain including a variety of applications supported by Bigge.
The newest generation of the LR 1300 has a lifting capacity of max. 331 tons. The Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX crawler crane impresses with many innovative assistance systems
including self-loading and self-assembly, ground pressure visualization and precise crane control — each of which increase operational safety as well as simplify handling.
With the new cab design, the crane appears elegant in design and with many features for high operator comfort. For more information, visit liebherr.com.
Davis Crane Takes Delivery of Liebherr LTM
Davis Crane Group took delivery of a Liebherr LTM 1090-4.3 mobile crane at ConExpo 2026. ConExpo 2026 served as the world premiere of the new LTM 1090-4.3 mobile crane. This acquisition will complement Davis Crane Group’s fleet providing even more safety, flexibility and efficiency to its customers.
With more than 180 cranes ranging from 9 tons to 925 tons, the family-owned business is one of the largest crane companies in Texas and offers a wide variety of services including a full range of crane, hauling and support services designed to meet the demands of any heavy-lift proj-
1090-4.3
With more than 180 cranes ranging from 9 tons to 925 tons, the family-owned business is one of the largest crane companies in Texas and offers a wide variety of services.
ect. With more than 60 years of experience, Davis Crane Group supports many areas throughout Texas including Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, Abilene and Sherman.
World Premiere
With the new LICCON3 con-
trol system, the LTM 1090-4.2 becomes the LTM 1090-4.3. The 110-ton model combines modern design, mobility and cost-effectiveness, according to Liebherr. Clear displays enable intuitive operation, while assistance systems ensure a high level of driving safety on the road. Due to flexible axle load con-
figurations, the 4-axle vehicle can be used economically worldwide. VarioBallast and VarioBase provide additional power and flexibility. The LTM 1090-4.3 also offers higher lifting capacities on the long 197 ft. telescopic boom compared to its predecessor. For more information, visit liebherr.com.
Liebherr photo
Liebherr delivered an LTM 1090-4.3 mobile crane to Davis Crane Group at ConExpo 2026.
Liebherr photo
Liebherr photo
Bigge’s “Perfect Fleet” receives multiple Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX crawler cranes at ConExpo 2026.
Liebherr photo
Weston Settlemeir of Bigge accepts a plaque from Gerhard Frainer of Liebherr to celebrate Bigge’s 110-year anniversary.
Next Gen Crawler Excavators
Liebherr Delivers Versatile
LR 1700-1.0 Crawler Crane to Big B Crane at ConExpo 2026
Big B Crane took delivery of a Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane during ConExpo 2026. The versatile crane provides an excellent addition to Big B’s fleet.
For more than 20 years, Big B Crane has delivered exceptional lifting solutions for wind, oil and gas and commercial projects in the South-Central United States. The company offers a wide range of Liebherr crawler, all terrain and rough terrain cranes. This latest handover is another milestone in strengthening the partnership between Big B and Liebherr.
In addition to tackling heavy lifts with their extensive crane rental fleet, the company also offers specialized rigging and transport, engineering and lift plans, logistics support, as well as structural steel fabrication and structural steel erection.
Blending Worlds
The Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane combines the benefits of the low cost transport of a 660-ton class crawler crane with the performance of 825-ton class lattice boom crane, according to Liebherr. The LR 1700-1.0 also was designed on the basis of the dimensions of the LR 1600/2 — but with significantly more lifting capacity.
The LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane’s static structure was completely redesigned to deliver up to 15 percent more lifting capacity. The structural steelwork for the crawler carriers also was made particularly robust and the size of the rollers increased to minimize wear when moving on the crawler travel gear, according to Liebherr.
The 4-way drive for the travel gear is standard in the machine. The modern derrick system has V-frame, VarioTray and the new “M-Wagon” modular ballast trailer. In addition to the LR 1700-1.0, this also can be used for the LR 1800-1.0 and the LR 11000.
For more information, visit liebherr.com.
Women in Construction: A Mother-Daughter Story in Houston
Women in construction may once have been rare, but today they are helping shape job sites and boardrooms alike.
In Houston, a mother and her two daughters are doing just that at Skanska USA Building. They are helping build major projects and careers rooted in mentorship, growth and family support.
Laura Flores has spent nearly 20 years with the company. She began as a receptionist with no construction background and worked her way up to executive assistant supporting three national groups.
As a single mother, she sometimes brought her young daughters, Veronica and Daniela, to the office during late nights. The girls
helped organize supplies and greeted employees, unknowingly getting an early introduction to the construction world.
Skanska’s emphasis on mentorship, Laura Flores said, made the difference. Early guidance from experienced administrators gave her the foundation to grow, and that culture of support continues today.
Both daughters eventually forged their own paths into the business.
Veronica Urquidi joined the company in 2023 as a field admin before transitioning into an assistant project accountant role. Coming from a medical background, she faced a steep learning curve but gained broad exposure to field operations, contracts and accounting, which is experience that prepared her for advancement.
Daniela Urquidi, who previously worked in insurance, joined in 2025 as a field admin supporting projects at Rice University, Harris County Central Fill Pharmacy and Riverside Hospital. She works closely with superintendents and project managers, embracing the fast-paced environment of active job sites.
All three women acknowledge the industry’s male-dominated roots but say they have seen meaningful change. From stronger female leadership representation to growing recognition of the value women bring — including communication skills, empathy and cultural awareness — the evolution is evident.
For the Flores-Urquidi family, construction is more than a profession. It’s a shared opportunity built on hard work and pride in building something bigger than themselves. (All photos courtesy of Skanska.)
Liebherr photo
Texas-based crane rental company, Big B Crane, took delivery of the Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 at ConExpo 2026.
Liebherr photo
The Liebherr LR 1700-1.0 crawler crane combines the benefits of the low-cost transport of a 660-ton class crawler crane with the performance of 825-ton class lattice boom crane.
(L-R) are Veronica Urquidi, Laura Flores and Daniela Urquidi. Veronica (L) and Daniela Urquidi
PIRTEK Riverside
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JBS USA Starts Work On Beef Production Facility Project
Food company JBS USA broke ground on Feb. 27, 2026, on a $150 million expansion project at its beef production facility in Cactus, Texas.
The project includes the construction of a new fabrication floor and an expanded ground beef room, which the company said strengthens the long-term competitiveness of one of its largest and most important beef plants.
The investment is designed to increase operational efficiency, enhance production capacity and create new opportunities for cattle producers, customers, team members and the surrounding rural communities.
Construction is under way, with completion expected by early 2027.
“This groundbreaking marks an exciting moment for JBS USA, our team in Cactus and cattle producers,” said Wesley Batista Filho, CEO of JBS USA. “The investment reflects our long-term commitment to the U.S. beef industry and the rural communities where we live and work. By modernizing and expanding our Cactus facility, we are ensuring that our business, and the thousands of families who depend on it, remain positioned for success now and in the future.”
The Cactus facility in the Texas Panhandle employs more than 3,600 team
members and partners with local cattle producers buying approximately $3.3 billion in livestock annually.
Elected officials said the reinvestment marks a major step forward for the region, highlighting its economic significance and benefits for Texas producers:
“I commend JBS for their investment right here in Cactus,” said state Rep. Caroline Fairly. “This transformational project sends a clear message that they believe in the Texas Panhandle, in our workforce, and in the long-
term future of this area. We are proud to see JBS continue investing in our community and in American agriculture.”
Beyond its facility upgrades, JBS USA said it continues to invest in rural communities like Cactus through its Hometown Strong and Better Futures programs. Since 2020, JBS has invested more than $11 million in Cactus community projects — including parks, enhanced local facilities, nonprofit support and affordable housing — while enabling more than 259 team members and
their children to pursue tuition-free community college.
JBS USA is a global food company providing diversified products to customers in approximately 100 countries on six continents. It is headquartered in Greeley, Colo., and produces meat and poultry products, a portfolio of recognized brands and innovative premium foods. It is also a majority shareholder of Pilgrim’s, the world’s largest poultry producer.
For details, visit jbsfoodsgroup.com.
UT Austin to Break Ground On Law Student Residence Hall
The University of Texas at Austin announced on March 16, 2026, that it will construct its first dedicated residence hall for law students, to be built at the northwest corner of East Dean Keeton and Medical Arts streets directly across from the law school.
The new residence hall will have more than 300 beds and amenities, including a large library-style reading room, a cafe, a gym and two roof decks. It will provide Texas Law students with unprecedented proximity to the school, a strong sense of community and extraordinary value, according to the university.
The design architects are Ryan and Stephanie Lemmo of Austinbased Lemmo Architecture and Design; Meeks + Partners, a Houston-based firm, serves as the architect of record; and Greystar is the builder.
“Texas Law has long been the best place in the world to be a law student,” said Bobby Chesney, dean of the UT School of Law. “The residence hall will ensure that remains the case long into the future, deliver-
ing extraordinary training and job outcomes for our students, with affordability that our peers cannot match. As changes in the Austin rental market increased costs for some students while driving others to commute long distances, we saw this as a challenge that could also be an opportunity. The residence hall will deliver on that with a remarkable boost to community, value and proximity for our students.”
Chesney added that philanthropy associated with the new building is expected to result in a further strategic benefit: a massive increase to the school’s scholarship resources.
This announcement follows recent news of the university’s campus master planning initiative, which is designed to guide the university’s growth and enhance the campus experience, including housing on and near campus.
Groundbreaking on the law school residence hall project occurred in late March, with construction of the building scheduled for completion before its first residents are welcomed in August 2028.
JBS USA photo
JBS USA broke ground on Feb. 27, 2026, on its $150 million beef production plant in Cactus, Texas.
University of Texas, Austin rendering
A rendering of UT Austin’s first dedicated residence hall for law students, set to open in August 2028.
LSR Equipment Enterprise
Agencies Announce Plans for New Texas Sterile Fly Facility
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced on March 9, 2026, a $610 million construction contract with Mortenson Construction to build a new $750 million sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas.
This facility is a key component of Secretary Brooke L. Rollins’ five-prong strategy to fight New World Screwworm (NWS) as it will expand USDA’s domestic response capacity, bolstering protection for U.S. livestock, wildlife and public health.
USACE is partnering with USDA and will provide oversight for the contract, design, engineering and construction of the facility.
“The Army Corps of Engineers is an essential partner in bringing this facility to life and further highlights the Trump Administration’s government-wide effort to fight the New World Screwworm threat in Mexico,” Rollins said. “The Army Corps is the best in the business and their engineering expertise and proven track record in delivering complex projects will help ensure we can build a modern, resilient facility that protects American agriculture from invasive pests for decades to come. This first-of-its-kind facility on U.S. soil will ensure we are not reliant on other countries for sterile flies.”
tion and outreach, is a proven and effective tool for controlling and eradicating New World Screwworm.
The USDA produces about 100 million sterile flies per week at the COPEG facility in Panama and disperses them within and just north of affected areas in Mexico. In addition to the COPEG facility in Panama, USDA invested $21 million to support Mexico’s renovation of an existing fruit fly facility in Metapa, which will double NWS production capacity once complete. With ongoing support from APHIS technical experts, Mexico anticipates sterile fly production will begin at this facility in summer 2026.
“This first-of-its-kind facility on U.S. soil will ensure we are not reliant on other countries for sterile flies.”
Brooke L. Rollins United States Department of Agriculture
“For more than 250 years, USACE has helped secure America by engineering solutions to our nation’s toughest challenges, said Lt. Gen. William H. Graham, USACE commanding general.
We are proud to be partnering with USDA in the construction of the Sterile Fly Facility, a critical investment in our nation’s future agricultural, public and economic health. Combining our engineering expertise with USDA’s mission expertise brings us one step closer to alleviating this biological threat.”
A sterile fly production facility is a specialized biosecure complex where New World Screwworm flies are raised and sterilized using irradiation and then released into targeted areas. Female New World Screwworm flies only mate once in their lives, so if they mate with a sterile male, they lay unfertilized eggs that don’t hatch.
This method, known as the Sterile Insect Technique, has been a cornerstone of proven screwworm eradication efforts for decades and is recognized worldwide as a highly effective, environmentally responsible approach to insect control. Sterile Insect Technique, when paired with surveillance, animal movement restrictions, and educa-
The new facility at Moore Air Base will be the only U.S.-based sterile fly production facility and will work in tandem with facilities in Panama and Mexico to help eradicate the pest and protect American agriculture. USDA and USACE will break ground on this new facility later this spring, after initial planning and development meetings with the new contractor. By November 2027, the production facility at Moore Air Base is expected to reach its initial goal of producing 100 million sterile flies per week. After that, construction will continue at the facility to increase production with the long-term goal of producing 300 million sterile flies per week.
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on warm-blooded animals, causing severe animal health impacts and significant economic losses if not controlled. The United States eliminated the pest in 1966 and has maintained that freedom through the ongoing sterile fly program and international partnerships.
On Feb. 9, 2026, Rollins and Abbott celebrated the completion of a United Statesbased sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. That facility expands USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the United States, if necessary.
The Worldwide Leader in Concrete
Bridge Deck, Railing Completion Tasks Among End Work
“In the next six months, we will be working on completing the bridge deck and railing,” Ben Cross, an SER senior project manager, told Construction Equipment Guide, “as well as the main lanes of U.S. 90A on each side of the bridge. Additionally, we will be placing signs, completing the permanent striping and activating the signals at the intersections.”
SER officials said construction challenges are being overcome as they arise.
“Hurricane Beryl had strong winds and rain and damaged numerous traffic control devices [barrels, signs, message boards]and required substantial clean-up/water pumping to mitigate,” Cross said. “Work has been progressing steadily; however, we have had several third-party utility conflicts with critical parts of the project, which required partnering with TxDOT and the design engineers to redesign the traffic control plan and phasing. There were some delays, but they were substantially mitigated by the rephasing of the project. Underground fiber optic conduits and overhead power were conflicting with critical work.
“The majority of the work was able to be completed during normal business hours,” he added, “however, because this intersection (U.S. 90A at S.H. 99) is a heavily traveled area, TxDOT stipulated lane closure restrictions. Any obstructions of travel lanes were to be done during off-peak hours. When we set beams, pour bridge decks and do large roadway pours, we scheduled those at night to avoid major disruption to the traveling public.”
Bridging a Bridge
The new U.S. 90A overpass is being constructed beneath the existing S.H. 99 overpass, which created overhead clearance issues and constraints.
Crews are making strides on the new bridge’s construction.
“The overhead clearance constraints limit the size of the cranes/booms that are necessary to set beams, panels, forms, steel, etc.,” Cross said. “We checked the elevation of the bottom of the existing structure and used the maximum allowable crane that could fit under the bridge; however, during the beam-setting operations, this required two cranes lifting the beam.
“Ready-mix concrete is being used for the roadway, bridge deck and bridge substructure. We are using precast concrete for the storm sewer system (pipe, boxes, manholes/inlets) as well as the bridge deck panels which serve as the bottom form of the deck, as well as a portion of the deck thickness. Also, the retaining wall panels were prefabricated.
“Both the bridge deck and portions of the retaining walls have used drill shaft foundations,” he added. “We utilized two drilling crews simultaneously to expedite the bridge foundations.”
Drainage is located on both sides of the bridge.
“The bridge has a vertical crown in the middle, and the drainage system was installed on each side of the bridge,” said Cross, who noted that continuous concrete rails are installed on each side of both bridges to prevent debris from falling below.
Equipment used for the bridge work includes a SANY SCC8100 110-ton crane, a Manitowoc 11000-1 110-ton crane, a Cat 349 excavator, a Cat 926 loader, a GOMACO 2600 slip form paving machine (roadway), a GOMACO 450 bridge deck paving machine and a Cat 420 backhoe, in addition to numerous excavators of various sizes depending on the size/weight of the underground utilities.
The construction of the retaining and sound walls is separate from the bridge work. The walls varied from 2-ft. tall to approximately 28-ft. tall at the height of the retaining walls.
“We used precast panels with steel reinforcing straps that were embedded in cement-stabilized sand to support the walls,” Cross said,
The overhead clearance constraints limit the size of the cranes/booms.
The new five-span structure is expected to improve traffic flow across the U.S. 90A/S.H. 99 intersection.
A support beam is lowered into position.
A SANY SCC8100 110-ton crane positions a support beam.
A ground-level view of the ongoing project.
Cranes work in tandem as a support beam is hoisted into the air.
Four-Lane Bridge Takes Shape Under Existing Overpass
For this work, mid- to large-sized excavators, typically Cat 320s, were employed.
The frontage roads were constructed first to put traffic on them while SER initiated the bridge and main lanes work in the middle of the right-of-way.
Cross is assisted by Project Manager Joseph Fishback, Superintendent Jamie Jones, General Foreman Nestor Balltieres and Project Engineer Vanessa Daily.
Busy days have three to five SER crews on site at any given time, with five to 10 workers per crew.
The project subcontractors are HB Farmer for drill shaft foundations, Creacom Inc. for signals, Willow City for signs and Stripe Lines for striping and traffic control.
Approximately 75,000 cu. yds. of material were excavated.
“We were able to reuse approximately 25,000 cu. yds. during the embankment at the retaining walls,” Cross said.
SER has many ongoing projects in Texas and Arizona, which require a well-maintained fleet.
“We’re experiencing normal wear and tear,” Cross said. “Our equipment is fully utilized. We have a staff of mechanics that travel to each project as needed — daily for lube/fuel and every few months for scheduled maintenance.”
Much of the equipment SER uses for general underground, earthwork and roadwork is by Caterpillar, which is represented and serviced by the Houston area’s Mustang CAT.
CEG
(All photos courtesy of SER Construction Partners.)
Both the bridge deck and portions of the retaining walls have used drill shaft foundations.
SER from page 20
TEXAS STATE SUPPLEMENT
Landscaping Project in El Paso Shines Light On I-10
A landscaping project in East El Paso has illuminated the beauty of the region along Interstate 10.
With a flip of a switch, lighting features on the I-10 aesthetic project turned on permanently during a ceremonial lighting in March.
The landscape project started in September 2024 and consists of decorative amenities and lighting features on one segment of I-10.
Funded through TxDOT’s green ribbon program, the project encompasses 15 locations. Improvements include concrete planters, river rocks and a steel Franklin Mountains structure. The Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest state park in an urban setting.
Features have LED backlighting and color-changing spotlights. Planters also have color-changing star medallions. The star is a significant landmark for the city, as it has a massive manmade illuminated Star on the Mountain that has been lit for more than 80 years for various causes.
Also part of the project are two sun beam sculptures that have color-change LED lights mounted under each panel. El Paso is known as the “sun city” because it is one of the sunniest cities in the United States, averaging 300 sunny days a year.
I-10 is a critical connection for commerce that fuels economic development, growth and stability from coast to coast. TxDOT is working on multiple improvements to this vital stretch of interstate.
A two-phase, 11-mi. widening project includes the reconstruction and widening of I-10 from four lanes to a six-lane divided freeway. It also includes a new interchange and the construction of a new underpass with
accompanying bypass lanes.
TxDOT also is working to increase clearance at existing overpasses. Entrance and exit ramps will soon be reversed to help prevent traffic from backing up on the main lanes. Combined, the two phases of the I-10 project include the construction or reconstruction of more than 30 bridges.
There have also been multiple safety improvements on the interstate, including LED, wrong-way signs at exit ramps. These signs will alert drivers going the wrong way to get them to stop.
The project also includes safety lighting and the installation of high mast lighting along the newly widened section. This will improve visibility for drivers. Technology system upgrades include dynamic digital messaging signs and closed-circuit cameras, making it easier to monitor traffic and alert drivers.
(All photos
Lights along Interstate 10 in El Paso
The Interstate 10 interchange in El Paso
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