Texas 1, January 3, 2021

State Supplement sponsored by:

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By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT

East Texas Bridge Inc. (ETB) started operations last July to widen a portion of FM 2206/Harrison Road from Loop 281 to Fisher Road in the city of Longview (Gregg County), a $15.16 million Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) project that is taking the road from one lane in each direction to two, with a center turn lane.

The project, financed by state and federal funding, is expected to be delivered in March 2022. The work also

includes extending culverts and constructing detours to aid the construction effort. It also includes drainage structures, flexible base, curb and gutter, 5 ft. sidewalk on one side and 10 ft. shared use path on the other side, a new traffic signal at Loop 281, and pavement markings.

Project Progress So far, East Texas Bridge has completed numerous culvert extensions; cleared the proposed ROW; started cut and fill of the embankment; installed storm sewer; and started detour construction. The remainder of the project through 2022 will

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focus on completion of detours, continuation and completion of culvert extensions, completion of storm sewer, construction of permanent lanes, switch detoured traffic over to permanent lanes, and then construction of final permanent lanes along with traffic signal work and the sidewalk and shared use path.

“Unknown utilities have already been encountered during construction,” said Julie Hero, CCM, project engineer of RS&H. “These unknowns have been resolved relatively quickly with the help of the city and CEI consultant RS&H see UTILITY page 6

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Page 2 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

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Page 4 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Located on East Stassney Lane, south of the Burleson Road intersection, the new headquarters will sit on 49 acres of land.

TxDOT purchased the property for $8.9 million in 2017.

Vaughn Construction Builds New TxDOT Headquarters

Vaughn Construction is the general contractor responsible for building the new Stassney Campus, which will consolidate TxDOT’s central administration functions previously housed in several buildings across Austin.

The new campus will include a five-story, 425,000-sq.

-ft. administration building; a six-level, 548,000-sq- ft. cast-in-place parking garage for 1,586 vehicles; a two-story, 13,000-sq.-ft. central utility plant; and a one-story, 145,000-sq- ft. warehouse.

The new headquarters will provide opportunities by testing new construction equipment.

Crews from Vaughn Construction, along with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), have begun construction on its new $300 million headquarters in southeast Austin.

The new headquarters will serve the construction and transportation industries in addition to Texas-based businesses and individuals. TxDOT currently has three city locations — and a primary goal of this new headquarters is to consolidate workers who are now employed at these other branches.

Located on East Stassney Lane, south of the Burleson Road intersection, the new headquarters will sit on 49 acres.

Vaughn Construction is the general contractor responsible for building the new Stassney Campus, which will consolidate TxDOT’s central administration functions previously housed in several buildings across Austin. The new campus will include: • a five-story, 425,000-sq.-ft. administration building; • a six-level 548,000-sq.-ft. cast-in-place parking garage for 1,586 vehicles; • a two-story 13,000-sq.-ft. central utility plant; • a one-story 145,000-sq.-ft. warehouse building housing TxDOT’s road sign print shop, which has special structural and exhaust requirements; and • a one-story 74,000-sq.-ft. laboratory building where TxDOT will test everything from concrete and asphalt to paints and coatings used for marking lanes.

TxDOT also has announced that the new headquarters will add hundreds of jobs to the Austin area. This project represents the largest state contract to date for the Vaughn Construction. As TxDOT and Austin continue to grow and the region courts new business investments, the new headquarters endeavors to become a regional resource for professional equipment and services.

New TxDOT Headquarters Because of its importance, the new headquarters has been carefully conceived and planned.

TxDOT purchased the property for $8.9 million in 2017.

The current value of the location, as determined by the Travis Central Appraisal District, is $9.6 million and is expected to accrue additional value over its lifetime. A primary reason for this positive ROI has been TxDOT’s strategic plan for developing the new headquarters design.

Marmon Mok Architecture — a firm that’s helped design and raise some of Austin’s most popular architectural landmarks and has been a recommended government contractor

— designed the new headquarters. Currently, the firm also is working on Austin’s new women’s and children’s hospital, set for completion by 2022. The new TxDOT headquarters is slated for completion by February 2022.

According to TxDOT, its new headquarters will offer builders and business leaders a resource they can count on. To deliver on this promise, TxDOT's new headquarters consists of five structures to maximize the efficiency, focus and ingenuity of the onsite teams and experts, said TxDOT. Because of this design, the new headquarters will provide opportunities by testing new construction equipment, creating quality road signs and maintaining a new campus for continued education among members of the construction industries.

To complete the construction of the headquarters efficiently, TxDOT is using different types of equipment and has committed to the tenets of lean construction practices, which fosters a forward-thinking, low-waste approach that incorporates regular feedback to improve the process and the result, according to TxDOT. Greater Mission According to TxDOT, “the new headquarters is not just being built for TxDOT, but for all Texans. Transportation is a major part of life in Texas and everywhere else. By adding this new headquarters, TxDOT will be able to better serve the greater Austin community by maximizing our workflow and collaboration opportunities. It will also be easier for you to find us at one consolidated location and to get in touch.

“The new TxDOT headquarters and its resources will help foster growth throughout Austin’s economy; employ 2,000 local Texans; aid in the completion of infrastructure maintenance and new builds, as well as transportation, construction and engineering projects great and small.”

Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2021 • Page 5

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Page 6 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

East Texas Bridge Uncovers Unknown Utilities in Longview UTILITY from page 1

tasked with overseeing this project on behalf of TxDOT. For example, there was one overhead utility pole in which it was newly relocated, but the new location conflicted with a temporary detour. The owners, SWEPCO and AT&T, were able to come out and relocate their guy-wires for this pole in order for the contractor to construct their detour with no impacts to the project.”

The project is being built via day-shifts.

“There are no shoulders, just the current two travel lanes, which can be challenging at times,” said Hero, “but ETB has managed to safely store materials and work safely while maintaining traffic flow. All stakeholders are working well together for the common good of the project.”

Temporary asphalt detours, approximately 6 in. thick, will be built to the side of the existing road to move traffic over so the permanent lanes can be built in phases.

“The work is ongoing and no current challenges have been encountered,” said Hero.

The new lanes will expand the existing pavement of FM 2206 on both sides. Excavation and site preparation began in July and is ongoing.

“Except for wet conditions early in project, there have been no other challenges with earth work,” said Hero. “Soil types have been consistent with those commonly found in northeast Texas. Topsoil rich in nutrients has been stripped from various fill areas and stockpiled on site for later use.

The contractor utilizes heavy equipment retrofitted with GPS electronics to grade excavation and embankments to meet specifications. The contractor has on-site to his disposal three sheepfoot rollers. Most notable is a Cat 815 compactor.”

Stacy Wylie, TxDOT assistant area engineer, Tyler District, noted that the new lanes will be composed of 8 in. of treated subgrade; 10 in. of flex base; 4 in. hot mix asphalt; one course surface treatment; and topped with 2 in. of hot mix asphalt riding surface.

“ETB is not to that point of construction,” said Hero.

“They are aware that some of the subgrade used to construct

The new lanes will be composed of 8 in. of treated subgrade; 10 in. of flex base; 4 in. hot mix asphalt;, one course surface treatment and topped with 2 in. of hot mix asphalt riding surface.

East Texas Bridge has completed numerous culvert extensions; cleared the proposed ROW; started cut and fill of the embankment; installed storm sewer; and started detour construction.

the detours will be utilized for the future road and has taken extra care to ensure the subgrade is good, stable material.”

A Superpave SP-C PG 70-22 mix is being used and is being supplied by Longview Asphalt.

The culvert extensions cover the length of the project, consisting of eight locations at existing cross culverts.

“The project contains an intricate underground storm sewer system,” said Hero. “Challenges encountered during installation of storm sewer include uncovering unknown or unclaimed utility lines, and underground water. CEI has

coordinated with utility companies to quickly identify lines on site and proceed with work. The contractor has worked to remove and replace unstable areas where underground water was encountered and continued work.”

The drainage structure work includes curb inlets along both sides of the project that are tied together with underground storm drains of various sizes.

“All project stakeholders — ETB, TxDOT, city of Longview and CEI RS&H have worked well on this project

Challenges encountered during installation of storm sewer include uncovering unknown or unclaimed utility lines and underground water.

The new lanes will expand the existing pavement of FM 2206 on both sides. Excavation and site preparation began in July and is ongoing.

see UTILITY page 10

Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2021 • Page 7

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Page 8 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2021 • Page 9

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Page 10 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

ETB Engages in Earthwork Operations, Asphalt Detours The project includes 13 concrete headwalls; 97 concrete inlets; and junction boxes. Crews will be using 10,560 linear ft. of concrete curb and gutter and 4,000 tons of asphalt.

UTILITY from page 6

to tackle issues quickly and efficiently,” said Hero. “Team morale is high, with an emphasis on safety and quality control.”

ETB has utilized two crews (15 to 20 workers) and four subcontractors to date. ETB’s subgrade and soil treatment crew has constructed partial detours and lime treated and the structure crew is placing storm sewer and precast box culverts. SW Environmental has used a hydroseeder to place cellulose fiber matrix seed on various project locations.

Isaac’s Construction has placed environmental BMP’s throughout project, including silt fence and rock filter dams.

Withers Construction used an extendable boom saw truck to remove trees during a prep ROW operation, and Panola Sign and Barricade has placed and maintains project advance warning signs.

The project includes 13 concrete headwalls; 97 concrete inlets; and junction boxes. Crews will be using 10,560 linear ft. of concrete curb and gutter and 4,000 tons of asphalt.

Additional equipment being utilized includes a Link Belt RTC8050 crane; Cat soil mixers — an RM300 and an

RM250; a Cat 140M motorgrader; Cat trakhoes — a 336E and a 330D; a Cat 700J dozer; sheepfoot rollers — a Cat 815, a Cat CP563E and a Volvo 4308; a Dnyapac CP271 pneumatic roller; a Cat 430D backhoe; a 12 cu. yd. dump truck; and a Mack water truck.

“ETB has a highly qualified mechanic who checks and maintains heavy equipment and operates a service truck,” said Hero.

ETB purchases and rents equipment from local and regional dealerships.

Highway Background This section of FM 2206, constructed in 1961, currently carries approximately 4,800 cars and trucks daily. The widened highway will be able to carry a projected 10,100 vehicles per-day anticipated in the year 2042 and meet traffic demands for 20 years.

“The road is being widened partly to improve traffic flow and safety in the residential and industrial areas of the project,” said Wylie. “ Site distances will be improved, turning movements will be in a protected left turn lane and capacity

will be increased. On a much larger scope, the project, with the second phase of construction from Fisher Road to SH 42 along with widening of SH 42 from US 80 to I-20, will provide a much-improved transportation route for goods and services from I-20 coming into Longview and will be a major improvement to the east/west corridor.”

The project was designed by BGE Inc. “Standard engineering design was used for the project,” said Wylie. “There were no significant environmental issues.

TxDOT did not own all the necessary right-of -way to complete the project. ROW was purchased from both sides of the project to fit in the proper alignment. This was a mix of commercial and residential properties that were acquired.”

TxDOT’s traffic mitigation measures include daytime lane closures and delays.

“The Transportation Commission, along with concurrence from the city of Longview, passed a minute order to reduce the work zone speed to 45 miles per hour along the route,” said Wylie. “This promotes a safer work zone for the traveling public and construction workers.”  CEG

Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2021 • Page 11

Page 12 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

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Page 14 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Austin State Hospital Demo Complete, Construction to Start Construction crews have completed demolition of vacant buildings on the Austin State Hospital campus to make way for the construction of a 240-bed standalone replacement hospital, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission recently announced.

“The new hospital creates a facility that will match the modern mental health care we provide our patients,” said Tim Bray, HHSC associate commissioner for state hospitals.

“We took special care with the design of the hospital to make sure it incorporates features that provide a therapeutic setting that helps with the healing and recovery of patients.”

HHSC is partnering with Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin to redesign and construct the new 380,000 sq.-ft. hospital.

“We are thrilled to continue to be part of this historic improvement in mental health care in Texas,” said Steve Strakowski, MD, vice dean for research and associate vice president for Regional Mental Health at Dell Med. “We look forward to working with the Legislature to finish the hospital on time and on budget.”

The total cost budgeted for the new hospital is approximately $305 million. The Texas Legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott have

already approved $180.5 million in funding for the design and initial construction of the replacement hospital. The $124 million for the remainder of the project is pending legislative approval.

“We are all served by the state-level investment in compassionate and effective treatment of all mental illness,” said State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt. “The redevelopment of the Austin State Hospital into a center of excellence described by former State

Senator Kirk Watson as the ‘MD Anderson of the Brain’ is literally concrete evidence of that investment. Having worked in the courts, I can tell you the return on this investment in personal and public health is far greater than ‘treating’ mental illness in the justice system.”

Construction crews are building the hospital on the existing 80-acre ASH campus.

The new hospital will have private rooms for each patient and natural light throughout the

Officials participated in a groundbreaking ceremony in October 2019 to kick off the project.

building to promote recovery. There will be 10, 24-bed units, that each have therapy rooms, classrooms, exercise rooms, an arts and crafts room and other therapy spaces.

The main level’s first floor will feature social interaction spaces including a café, gym, music and art room, chapel and salon.

Outside, there will be basketball and volleyball courts and walking trails to relieve stress.

This new hospital is part of a $745 million investment from Texas lawmakers and Gov. Abbott for the construction and renovation of state psychiatric hospitals in Austin, Kerrville, Rusk and San Antonio, as well as a new hospital in Houston. Combined, the construction projects at the hospitals will add at least 350 new inpatient psychiatric beds in Texas within the next four years.

Officials and construction crews broke ground on the new hospital in October 2019.

It is scheduled to open in June 2023. For more information about state hospital construction projects throughout the state, visit the Changes to the State Hospital System page on the HHSC website.

Austin State Hospital, which has been operating since 1861, is the oldest psychiatric hospital in Texas. The Old Main Building, a Texas Historic Landmark, will remain intact. 

Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2021 • Page 15

Page 16 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Project Manager Makes His Mark for Texas-Based Construction Company

By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT

At 26 years old, Alvaro Lopez, Jr., a project manager of Texas-based Longview Bridge and Road, has overseen several large road and bridge projects in the Lone Star State, but the father of two — soon to be three — aims to have a lasting impact in this field.

“I have been fortunate to be part of this highway heavy civil field since 2015,” he said. “I have worked with amazing superiors and managers from national top companies like Kiewit, Jacobs and Webber in which I have attained very valuable experience, but with this complex industry you must constantly continue to expand your knowledge. In this industry, you constantly get exposed to changing circumstances and new challenges, so to this day, I strive to learn new practices, explore different methodologies and implement value engineering every day.

“As a project manager for projects ranging from $4 million to $88 million, there are many key stakeholders and employees that depend on me, so I consistently have to prove myself,” he added. “Being that I am 26 and my colleagues being 35 to 40 plus years of age, there is an added pressure to demonstrate my competence, but this does not intimidate me at all. My dad, Alvaro Lopez Sr., is very old school and he has always instilled that if I am going to do something, I better do it right, so I keep that to heart and always give my full potential at all times. And without exception, stay humble and treat everybody with the same respect so you can get the same in return. Earn people’s respect, show them what you are capable of, and always keep your word.

“Construction can be very a stressful occupation but my

Cranes at work on the Border West Expressway project in EL Paso.

lovely wife Stephanie is always there for me,” he added, “and my mother, Alicia, is always someone I could speak to for advice, especially about working in family construction business — she knows construction and the demands it can place on people involved in it. Construction has its great rewards, but time with family and friends also keeps me grounded and without their support, none of my success would be possible.”

Lopez, Jr., who was born into a family involved in civil construction, is introducing his son Julian to the business in a similar fashion.

“I have a 2-year-old son, and our favorite pastime is visiting our job sites and operating equipment on-site,” he said.

“I was fortunate to grow up around construction, so I can proudly say I know how to operate my fair share of equipment. As my family taught me, I want to make sure my son learns how to operate equipment and to be hands on in the field. I greatly enjoy learning about new equipment and ways to make our work easier and more cost efficient. My current employer, Longview Bridge and Road, has acquired new GOMACO slip form paving machines, barrier/curb slip from equipment, bridge screeds, pugmill machines, concrete plants and crushers in which we have transitioned to stingless paving methodologies with advanced Trimble survey systems.

“In addition, we use GPS systems and advanced methodologies in which we constantly seek to improve and better suit our company for the strict specifications and tight budgets,” he explained. “As a manager, following all our policies and inspection requirements is a must. Additionally, I expect all my employees to treat our equipment as if it were their own in order to keep our equipment in top shape, which then allows our company to be profitable and in return, enables us to provide for our families.”

Project managers take on immense tasks that are far from easy. Whether it be large or small projects, one has to get everything right, bring the project in on budget and schedule, deal with a variety of people and suppliers and understand the psychology of people from management to the field level. When asked how he deals with the pressures and get the best of out of people, Lopez, Jr. replied: “Relationships are key in any field or position, With the size of our projects, having the right team is essential to success. I make it a priority to develop great relationships with my project team, stakeholders and associates. We spend more time with the people around us at work than we do with our blood family, so it is only just to treat them likewise and create a great environment at work. One may not be remembered for how well they did on a project, but will always remember how we treated others and were able to work out imminent disputes and issues.

“I have high standards and expectations, the same of which I anticipate my team to follow,” he added. “I commend people when its due, and motivate my team to always improve. Pressure and stress are inevitable in this demanding field, so it’s necessary to keep composure and keep your team focused on the same goal to be profitable, efficient, and most importantly, safe. I work on getting the best out of my people by constantly setting goals and inspiring them to reach further potentials in order to grow.” see MANAGER page 20

Alvaro Lopez Jr.

Julian, son of Longview Bridge and Road Project Manager Alvaro Lopez Jr., is already learning how to operate heavy machinery.

Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2021 • Page 17

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Page 18 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Webber Completes MoPac Project, Santa Cuts Ribbon TxDOT celebrated the completion of the MoPac Intersections project with Santa Claus cutting the ribbon during a live virtual ceremony. In addition to Santa, TxDOT officials were joined

by State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty and Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis.

Webber LLC was the general contractor on the $53.5 million project.

Approximately 750,000 cu. yds. of material were excavated in order to extend the MoPac mainlanes below ground level.

That’s enough dirt and rock to fill 18,400 swimming pools. Bridges were constructed at Slaughter Lane and La Crosse Avenue and a diverging diamond intersection was built at Slaughter Lane. In addition,

a shared-use path was constructed along the west side of MoPac to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists.

“TxDOT is committed to connecting you with Texas and this project exemplifies that mission,” said Brian Barth, TxDOT’s director of project planning and development. “The innovative intersection at Slaughter Lane addresses the traffic patterns in this area by accommodating more left-turning traffic.”

The project, which began in January 2018, was completed ahead of schedule. “This is an exciting day for TxDOT and the south Austin community,” said Tucker Ferguson, TxDOT Austin district engineer. “We’re already seeing the benefits of this project, which has improved mobility and safety for drivers in the area." 

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TxDOT officials announced that construction on the Quinlan Bypass in Hunt County is slated to begin in early January 2021.

The contractor, RPM Construction, was granted 384 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $14 million. The contractor anticipates setting construction barricades for this project on Jan. 4, 2021, with project work beginning shortly thereafter.

The Quinlan Bypass is a non-freeway, five-lane roadway that will extend along State Highway 276 from .04 mi. east of FM 36 to State Highway 34 in Quinlan, Texas. Occasional temporary lane closures will be necessary at times during the duration of this project, officials said.

Motorists who frequently travel in this area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking or car audio or navigation systems. 

Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2021 • Page 19

Next Issue Closes January 20, 2021

Page 20 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Texas A&M Graduate Learns Business From Early Age MANAGER from page 16

This includes giving people opportunities to make suggestions and feel at ease when speaking with him.

“With all the work associated in managing $90 million projects, it is only feasible with proper delegation of work and providing opportunities for those that seek to improve and take on more responsibility,” he noted. “One should always have aspirations to move up in the company and provide a better future for themselves, family, and the company.

Seeing people become successful and grow is an amazing accomplishment for me as a manager.

“With me being so young, I find it necessary to hear everybody out and let them provide suggestions,” he added.

“This allows me to broaden my horizon with different perspectives and planning. I find myself a people’s person, so I believe everyone feels at ease when speaking to me.

Unfortunately, with our busy work schedule and life, it is difficult to make all the time I wish I had to visit more with all my people.”

In a major sense, a career in highway and bridge construction was pretty much a given for Lopez, Jr. “I grew up working construction with my family since I was 9 years old with a very small family construction business — Universal Concrete & Pools,” said Lopez, Jr. “There I learned to pour and finish concrete, tie steel, set forms, operate equipment and work as a laborer, which is where I developed my love and niche for construction. Additionally, my father and his seven brothers worked for the same heavy civil contractor, LA Engineering, where I was greatly intrigued by all the amazing work they did and showed me.

My family comes from a very small town, Encarnacion de Diaz, Jalisco, Mexico, where we grew up with very little and have had to work extremely hard to get where we are at now.

Without this great construction field, our lives would be completely different.

“Consequently, I always dreamed of becoming an engineer in order to help build bridges, roadways and city projects just like my dad and uncles,” he added. “During my undergraduate studies, I worked for a transportation design consulting firm, Jacobs, where I was able to expand my

Alvaro Lopez Jr. has worked in construction with his family since he was 9 years old with a very small family construction business — Universal Concrete & Pools.

knowledge in roadway and bridge design, but shortly after I decided to go back to where I felt most suited — heavy civil construction, and I have not looked back.”

Lopez credits his education at Texas A&M with his ability to handle complex situations.

“This helped me significantly with the theoretical information and design aspect behind what we build,” he said. “It not only did that, but most importantly gave me the confidence to solve complex problems and situations with the dif-

ficult coursework we encountered, being that A&M is a top 10 ranked civil engineering program. And lastly, being that there are now close to 70,000 students at this great institution, the network and lasting relationships that you build with other students is a major advantage. This industry is huge, but at the same time you always run into old colleagues that are willing to lend a hand when needed. My experience at Texas A&M was amazing and I couldn’t picture myself where I am now without my time in College Station.”

Despite the challenges and hurdles he encountered at the beginning of his career, Lopez, Jr. kept his cool and persevered, winning the respect of all due to his dedication.

“My initial experiences included a demand to quickly adapt to the projects and nature of work, which at times can feel like you are being thrown in the water full of sharks,” he said, “but it was the best way to quickly learn and grow. I have worked from the bottom up and have advanced from a labor hand, foreman, field engineer, superintendent and project engineer to now being a project manager. Doing so has allowed for me to become a better manager because I understand the situations that my team is exposed to due to the fact that I was once in their shoes.

“The most satisfying and fulfilling part about construction to me is seeing the project come together and how it positively impacts our growing society,” he added. “Heavy civil construction plays a critical role in our infrastructure by providing essential methods of transportation. Consequently, due to the fact that it is vital to society, it is everywhere and it will continue to be a great market to keep up with population increase, which makes it an ideal career for any young student with aspirations of making an impact in the world.”

And finally, when asked if he thinks people appreciate the hard work and professionalism that goes into the construction of roads and bridges, Lopez, Jr. replied: “I believe society has a lot of respect for us due to the impact we make in their daily lives, which allows for them to not only safely travel home, but also use the infrastructure they sometimes forget, like water, sewer and electricity to improve the quality of living.”  CEG

Alvaro Lopez has utilized a vast range of equipment on the projects he has overseen. On the Baytown Bridge project, his crews set heavy steel beams through the use of cranes placed on barges.

Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2021 • Page 21

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Page 22 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

TEXAS STATE SUPPLEMENT ADVERTISER INDEX BANE MACHINERY ..................................................24 BEE EQUIPMENT SALES LTD ................................18 BOTTOMLINE EQUIPMENT LLC ............................14 A total of 200 80-ft.-long rail sections were delivered by special train from Indianabased Steel Dynamics Inc.

COMPACT CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ............5 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT GUIDE ..................19 GOMACO CORP ......................................................12 GORILLA HAMMERS..................................................1 HIGH TECH INDUSTRIES..........................................1 J & B PAVELKA INC..................................................23 KIRBY-SMITH MACHINERY INC..............................13 LBX COMPANY ..........................................................8 MCCOURT EQUIPMENT INC ..................................11 NIECE EQUIPMENT ................................................17 NUECES POWER EQUIPMENT ..........................9,18 POWERSCREEN TEXAS ..........................................7

Construction Crews Place Rail for DART Silver Line A new rail for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) Silver Line project arrived in Plano last month, part of the DART 2030 Transit System Plan (TSP).

A total of 200 80-ft.-long rail sections — 16,000 ft. of rail — were delivered by special train from Indiana-based Steel Dynamics Inc. to a location east of Shiloh Road in Plano and off-loaded adjacent to the existing tracks.

The 26-mi. Silver Line Regional Rail project currently is under construction.

Providing passenger rail connections and service that will improve mobility, accessibility and system linkages to major employment, population and activity centers in the northern part of the DART Service Area, the commuter rail line will traverse seven north Texas cities between DFW Airport, Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson and Plano.

The Cotton Belt “Silver Line” Project would interface with three DART LRT lines:

The Red/Orange Lines in Richardson/Plano; the Green Line in Carrollton; and the Orange Line at DFW Airport. In addition, at DFW Airport, the project would connect to the Fort Worth Transportation Authority TEXRail Regional Rail Line to Fort Worth and provide access to the DFW Airport Skylink People Mover.

In August 2018, the DART board approved a service plan amendment for Cotton Belt Corridor, which defined the project alignment, grade separations and station locations. Also in August 2018, the DART board approved a residential betterments program for the Cotton Belt Corridor.

In June 2019, the DART board approved a resolution to name future service running on the Cotton Belt Regional Rail Corridor as the Silver Line. Customers will see the Silver Line in operation after completion in 2023 with 30-minute peak and 60-minute off-peak service. 

ROMCO EQUIPMENT CO..........................................2 SMITHCO ..................................................................21 TROPHY TRACTOR ..................................................3 VERMEER OF TEXAS-LOUISIANA ........................15 WAUKESHA-PEARCE INDUSTRIES INC................23 The Advertisers Index is printed as a free editorial service to our advertisers and readership. Construction Equipment Guide is not responsible for errors or omissions.

The commuter rail line will traverse seven north Texas cities between DFW Airport, Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson and Plano.

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Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2021 • Page 23

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Page 24 • January 3, 2021 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

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