Texas 5, February 26, 2023

February

Crews Give Series of Houston Highways New Look

By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT

As part of the ongoing effort to improve the State Highway 288 corridor in the Houston Metro Area, the Texas Department of Transportation awarded a $40 million contract to Granite Construction in July 2022 that will improve connectivity on the south side of the Houston metro area and access to the Texas Medical Center.

This contract is the first in a series of four projects to improve the SH 288 corridor, all of which are within the Brazoria County limits: one at At Rodeo Palms Boulevard; one at Iowa Colony Boulevard; one at Cedar Rapids Parkway, Meridiana Parkway, Davenport Parkway; and another at Dubuque Parkway and CR 60.

These four projects were let in summer 2022. Granite secured three and JB James Construction LLC was awarded one.

“This project will reduce congestion on SH 288 and will improve the daily lives of commuters in the Houston metro area,” said Granite Project Executive Domingo Gonzalez.

After winning its first contract, Granite was awarded two adjacent projects.

The first phase covers 1 mi. of SH 288. It consists of building a new overpass along the highway, frontage roads and four main lanes to improve access into Houston for the communities using County Road 48. Granite will work with approximately 250,000 cu. yds. for embankments and another 50,000 cu. yds. during excavation.

The first portion of the project, financed by Federal and State funds, began last October and is expected to be completed in early 2024. All four projects should be completed by 2025.

Aguirre & Fields designed the projects at Rodeo Palms Boulevard and Iowa Colony Boulevard, while Binkley & Barfield and CONSOR covered the others.

Construction Challenges

So far, Granite has set temporary precast traffic barriers, performed temporary striping, clearing/grubbing operations,

HOUSTON page 10

Through a series of four projects, Granite and JB James Construction LLC are in the process of upgrading SH 288 to improve connectivity on the south side of the Houston metro area to the Texas Medical Center. Crews utilize a 32 m Z-fold concrete boom pump for this portion of the project.

Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”

Part of the project involved the use of a hydraulic concrete cracker with rotation on a Cat 335F excavator to demolish the existing CR 56 Meridiana Parkway Bridge. The excavator/attachment package was rented from Bottom Line Equipment, a rental company with locations all along the Gulf Coast.

Agricultural Tractors

2015 JOHN DEERE 6215R ..............$139,500

2020 JOHN DEERE 6130M $115,000

(6) 2018-2021 JOHN DEERE 6120M .............. From $79,500

2018 JOHN DEERE 5125R $98,500

2022 JOHN DEERE 5100M $CALL

(2) 2017 JOHN DEERE 5085M From $59,500

Artic Trucks

(2) 2016 CATERPILLAR 745C $339,500 Ea.

(2) 2019 CATERPILLAR 745 $449,500 Ea.

(4) 2016-2019 CATERPILLAR 725C2 From $259,500

(2) 2014-2015 CATERPILLAR 725C From $195,000

Compactors - Padfoot/Smooth Drum

2020 CATERPILLAR 815K $CALL

2007 CATERPILLAR 815F 2 $CALL

(4) 2013-2017 CATERPILLAR CS66B From $125,000

(6) 2016-2022 CATERPILLAR CP56B From $125,000

(8) 2017-2022 CATERPILLAR CS56B From $125,000

2017 DYNAPAC CT3000 $CALL

(2) 2013-2021 HAMM H13I From $87,500

2020 HAMM H12I ............................$CALL

Crawler Loaders

(2) 2022 CATERPILLAR 963 $CALL

(4) 2017-2020 CATERPILLAR 963K .............. From $265,000

Crawler Carriers

2019 MOROOKA MST4000VD $289,500

(2) 2018 MOROOKA MST3000VD ......................................From $165,000

(3) 2018-2019 MOROOKA MST2200VD From $149,500 MOROOKA MST660VD $89,500

Dozers - Crawler

(3) 2004-2005 CATERPILLAR D10R ......$CALL

2023 CATERPILLAR D10T2 ..........$2,150,000

(5) 2018-2022 CATERPILLAR D8T From $510,000

(2) 2020 CATERPILLAR D6 $CALL

2020 CATERPILLAR D6 XL $425,000

(8) 2019-2022 CATERPILLAR D6 LGP ......................................From $425,000

(3) 2014-2019 CATERPILLAR D6T XW From $209,500

2016 CAT D6N LGP $179,500

2018 CATERPILLAR D6N XL $CALL

2018 CATERPILLAR D6K 2XL $185,000

2012 CATERPILLAR D6K XL ..............$CALL

2023 CATERPILLAR D4 ....................$CALL

2017 KOMATSU D61EXi-24 $CALL

(2) 2002 KOMATSU D71PXi-24 $CALL

Excavators - Crawlers

(4) 2019 CATERPILLAR 390FL From $915,000

(2) 2019-2020 CATERPILLAR 374FL ......$CALL

(2) 2017-2019 CATERPILLAR 349FL From $329,500

(2) 2021-2022 CATERPILLAR 349 $CALL

(3) 2019 CATERPILLAR 336 ....From $279,500

(2) 2017-2018 CATERPILLAR 336FL From $219,500

(2) 2023 CATERPILLAR 330-07 $CALL

Dozers - Wheel

Motor Graders

Water Equipment - Tower/Tanks

(6) 2020-2022 Klein KPT-120 Water Towers From $62,500

2022 KLEIN HURRICANE BRAVO 12XD WATER PUMP $65,000

Water Equipment - Trucks

2008 CATERPILLAR 613C $CALL 2013 CATERPILLAR 740B $329,500

2022 CATERPILLAR 730-04 ..................$CALL

(2) 2017-2018 CATERPILLAR 725C2 .................. From $309,500

(3) 2021-2022 CATERPILLAR 725 From $550,000

16 $CALL

2020 CATERPILLAR 150AWD $407,500

(2) 2017-2019 CATERPILLAR 140M3 $CALL

(2) 2016-2017 CATERPILLAR 14M VHP .......... From $420,000

Rigid Frame Trucks

(5) 2007-2008 CATERPILLAR 777F ......$CALL

Skid Steers - Track

(8) 2020-2021 JOHN DEERE 333G $CALL

(3) 2020-2022 CATERPILLAR 299D3 XPS$CALL

(2) 2021 CATERPILLAR 299D3 $CALL

Winch

PACCAR PA110VS245 ......................$7,500

Authorized dealer for

2022 CATERPILLAR 740 GC $CALL

2019 FORD F750 $95,000

(2) 2007-2015 FREIGHTLINER M2 From $49,500

(19) 2018-2021 KENWORTH T370From $89,500

(2) 2022 INTERNATIONAL HV607 $CALL

(7) 2022 INTERNATIONAL MV607 From $115,000

(20) 2018-2022 PETERBILT 348 From $149,500

Wheel Loaders

2019 CATERPILLAR 966M ......From $329,500

2020 CATERPILLAR 950M $339,500

(2) 2018 CATERPILLAR 938M From $179,500

Miscelleneous Equipment

2022 ROME AG-12 $11,500

(3) 2018-2022 ROME TRCW12 ..From $48,500

2019 ROME TACW16 $36,000

2018 ROME TCW28 $19,750

2018 ROME TCW32 $23,000

Gov. Abbott Appoints Border Czar to Oversee Construction

Gov. Greg Abbott recently announced the new position of Texas Border Czar to oversee border construction and security at a press conference on a Texas border wall construction site in San Benito.

Mike Banks has been hired as special advisor on Border Matters to the Governor and will serve as the State of Texas’ first-ever Border Czar.

“For nearly two years, the State of Texas has taken unprecedented, historic action under Operation Lone Star in response to the Biden Administration’s refusal to secure the border,” said Gov. Abbott. “To continue doing what no other state in the history of our country has done to secure the border, I hired Mike Banks as the State of Texas’ firstever Border Czar. As an award-winning Border patrol agent, with decades of federal law enforcement and border security experience, Mike is the perfect choice to oversee Texas' fight against the surge of illegal immigration, lethal drugs and deadly weapons flowing into our state and nation. I have no doubt that Mike’s strong record of leadership and wealth of experience will provide Texans — and Americans — the level of border security expertise they deserve from a proper Border Czar.”

The Governor was joined for the announcement by Border Czar Banks, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steve McCraw and Texas Military Department (TMD) Major General Thomas Suelzer.

“I am humbled to be selected by Governor Abbott for this opportunity,” said Border Czar Banks. “Protecting our nation’s border is something I have dedicated the last 23 years of my life to and I am very passionate about it. I look forward to strengthening our relationships with law enforcement partners and the community, leveraging all that we can to further protect our great state of Texas and the United States.”

“No Governor has dedicated more time, energy and effort in terms of public safety, homeland security and border security than Governor Abbott,” said Director Steve McCraw. “I welcome Mike Banks to the Texas team as we continue working to secure the border.”

“I applaud Governor Abbott for selecting Mike Banks as Texas' Border Czar,” said Major General Suelzer. “The Texas National Guard and I look forward to working with Mike in our mission to protect Texans as we secure the border.”

Border Czar Banks will report directly to Governor Abbott and ensure border security strategies are fully executed in Texas in the absence of meaningful federal action. He will collaborate daily with TMD, DPS and other state agencies, local officials and Texas landowners to carry out Operation Lone

Star’s mission of deterring and repelling migrants from illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico. Border Czar Banks will also advise the Governor on border security situations and strategies, including the planning of operations ahead of migrant surges, like that of El Paso in December 2022. To best serve Texans and Americans, Border Czar Banks will be based out of Weslaco and travel along the border, and state, as necessary.

Mike Banks of Mission is a former U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Weslaco Station patrol agent in charge. Banks has more than three decades of federal law enforcement leadership experience, with 23 years in border security operations and administration along the United States-Mexico border. He previously served as acting deputy chief of law enforcement operational programs at the USBP headquarters in Washington, D.C.,

USBP McAllen Station Patrol Agent in Charge, USBP Rio Grande Valley Sector Executive Officer and Acting Division Chief, among other various USBP leadership positions in Texas, Arizona and California. He also is a former member of the U.S. Navy Military Police. Banks holds an associate’s degree in Administration of Justice from Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California, a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from South Texas College and other awards from the U.S. Navy and USBP.

Gov. Abbott has taken action to secure the border, including:

• Securing $4 billion in funding for Texas’ border security efforts;

• Launching Operation Lone Star and deploying thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers;

• Taking aggressive action to aid border communities, including busing thousands of migrants to Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia;

• Designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations to keep Texans safe amid the growing national fentanyl crisis;

• Arresting and jailing criminals trespassing or committing other state crimes along the southern border;

• Issuing an executive order authorizing the Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety to return illegal immigrants to the border at ports of entry;

• Allocating resources to acquire 1,700 unused steel panels to build the border wall in Texas;

• Signing a law to make it easier to prosecute smugglers bringing people into Texas;

• Signing 15 laws cracking down on human trafficking in Texas;

• Signing a law enhancing penalties for the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl;

• Issuing a disaster declaration for the border crisis;

• Issuing an executive order preventing non-governmental entities from transporting illegal immigrants;

• Signing memoranda of understanding between the State of Texas and the States of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to enhance border security measures in their states that will prevent illegal immigration from Mexico to Texas; and

• Activating the Joint Border Security Operations Center (JBSOC) and directing the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Military Department, and Texas Division of Emergency Management to coordinate Texas’ response to secure the border. 

(All photos courtesy of Gov. Abbott.)

Texas is erecting a 10-mi.-long, three-story-high wall outside Laredo.

“I

am humbled to be selected by Governor Abbott for this opportunity,” said Mike Banks. “Protecting our nation’s border is something I have dedicated the last 23 years of my life to, and I am very passionate about it.”

Since Gov. Abbott announced in June 2021 that Texas would begin building its own barriers, the state has awarded six contracts totaling $841 million to erect 37 mi. of walls in Cameron, Starr, Val Verde, Webb and Zapata counties.

READYSETWORK

Bobcat of Abilene 325-673-7361

Bobcat of Amarillo 806-622-9593

Bobcat of Austin 512-251-3415

Bobcat of Corpus Christi 361-884-3959

Bobcat of Lubbock 806-745-1322

Bobcat of Marble Falls 830-220-6070

Bobcat of Midland–Odessa 432-685-9298

Bobcat of Pleasanton 830-580-4020

Bobcat of the Rio Grande Valley 956-425-4300

Bobcat of San Antonio 210-337-6136

Bobcat of Victoria 361-579-0922

Bobcat of Waco 254-488-7004

Bobcat of Wichita Falls 940-285-7777

Ranchers ATV and Tractor Kerrville 830-315-2330

El Paso District Wins Design, Construction Awards for I-10

The “We Build Texas” project awards were presented at the Texas Transportation Forum in Austin and TxDOT’s El Paso District received two of six honors for the I10 Connect project in the design and the construction categories.

The $100 million highway reconstruction project added connectors to a series of highway interchanges along the I-10, I-110, U.S. 54 and State Loop 375 corridors impacting international and local travel to improve connectivity on the existing roadway network. The design, environmental considerations and construction in a constrained area near the largest U.S./Mexico Port of Entry in El Paso required intricate synchronization and cross-country collaboration. Both the design team and construction team were recognized for this project, specifically TxDOT’s Antonio Santana, TxDOT’s Jorge Oregel and Rudy Elias of contractor Sundt.

The project expanded U.S. 54, I-10, I-110, and U.S. 62 and included eight bridge replacements, one railroad overpass, five bridge widenings and two new direct connectors. The project widened I-110, provided separate truck lanes for southbound traffic going to Mexico and provided multi-modal improvements along U.S. 62, which experiences more than 1 million pedestrian crossings per year.

The design team was presented with the challenge of adding an elevated structure in the urban core of the city and widening existing structures while minimizing right-ofway acquisition. The construction team was challenged with minimizing interference with international traffic at the second busiest inland port in the state. They also worked within a very constrained area sur-

rounded by businesses, residents, schools, a church, a zoo and a national park.

Innovation in bilingual outreach and technology was critical to the success of the transformational project.

In addition to traffic improvements — including a redesign to redirect 18-wheeler traffic per public recommendations — the project team also worked to preserve culturally significant landmarks, such as the city’s first Hispanic school in the neighborhood park, during the demolition and new construction of bridges.

Accolades for the I-10 Connect project include:

•The 2019 TxDOT Environmental Achievement Award. The award recognizes exemplary projects and programs that meet transportation objectives while simultaneously going above and beyond routine procedures to protect and enhance the natural and human environment;

•The 2018 ITE Joint Western States

and Texas Conference for TCP innovation and implementation of ITS and Smart Work Zone techniques; and

•Other “We Build Texas” project award recipients include the San Antonio, Waco and Yoakum and Brownwood districts.

About Awards

The “Texas Project Award” program was initiated in March of 1987 by Raymond E. Stotzer Jr. to recognize Texas Department of Transportation and contractor personnel who have cooperated to overcome major construction problems in a non-disruptive manner. Rebranded in 2020, the “We Build

Texas” project award program embraces these principles and expands them, emphasizing the We Build Texas initiative launched in March 2017 to foster good partnering techniques, positive contract relationships and best practices. In addition, this program recognizes individuals responsible for the plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) design of projects that resulted in no or only minor construction problems. Like the Texas Project Awards before it, this program also considers small projects and projects completed with a degree of quality far beyond specification requirements.

Construction Award: given to project engineers or chief inspectors and project managers who used a high degree of cooperation in completing a complex or challenging project, solving one or more major problems, or completing work that provides for quality far beyond specification requirements. This award is not designed for the engineer in charge of an area office, but rather the individual with actual overall contract compliance oversight.

Design Award: given to TxDOT personnel responsible for the development of plans and specifications — or overseeing the development of plans and specifications by a consultant — on a complex or challenging project that resulted in no or only minor construction problems during completion. 

(All photos courtesy of TxDOT.)

The design and construction team was recognized for this project, specifically TxDOT’s Antonio Santana, TxDOT’s Jorge Oregel and Rudy Elias of Sundt.

The $100 million highway reconstruction project added connectors to a series of highway interchanges along the I-10, I-110, U.S. 54 and State Loop 375 corridors.

The design, environmental consideration and construction in a constrained area near the largest U.S./Mexico Port of Entry in El Paso required intricate synchronization and cross-country collaboration.

NPT1200

Niece Water Towers deliver reliability and durability when you need fast mobile water service. With a 12” discharge tube it fills your tanks at a rate of over 1,000 gallons per minute. Offers removable power pack for security, fifth wheel tow hitch, professionally engineered and constructed. It features (8) legs for stability

5th wheel set up for quick “tow and go.”

OFF ROAD WATER TRUCKS

OVER THE ROAD WATER TRUCKS

FUEL AND LUBE TRUCKS

FUELER TRUCKS

Two Firms Upgrade Houston Highways With Four Projects

installation of SWPPP controls, drilling of shafts, excavation and formed/poured/stripped foundations, stripping of topsoil, grading for temporary asphalt, removals of existing facilities and bridge demolition on the existing CR56 Meridiana Parkway Bridge.

Challenges are a constant element of the project.

“Working adjacent next to active traffic is always a challenge,” said Gonzalez, who serves as the project manager. “Phasing of all three projects is pretty well prescribed. Granite is building new bridges over SH 288 at three intersections [CR 57, CR 64 and CR 63]. At CR 56, we’re widening an existing overpass. Additionally, at two locations [CR 48 and CR 60], we’re constructing two new grade separations of both SH 288 mainlines. The projects are scheduled to perform during regular business hours, with occasional operations performed at night for barrier sets, traffic switches, bridge demolition and setting of beams.”

Work on the new overpasses is pressing forward.

“Drilled shafts and foundations [footings] are being installed currently at CR 57, CR 56 and CR 64,” said Gonzalez. “All the beams will be precast concrete. All other aspects will be cast-in-place. Currently, from CR 48 to CR 60, there is only one overpass and that is located at CR 56 [Meridiana Parkway]. We will add lanes to this overpass. We have installed a temporary concrete barrier on the overpass to protect the area and have begun demolition of the southern limits of the overpass.

“We would not consider the work area to be ‘tight’ as we have space behind the concrete barrier to operate our equipment safely, as well as store the necessary material in its appropriate areas,” he added. “The area we proposed for the field office/laydown yard was strategic to serve as a central hub for the three projects and with proper layout and planning, we had the space to stand up a concrete batch plant.

“The three projects are located consecutively along SH 288,” added Gonzalez. “This allows the project team to optimize the management and deployment of resources, including equipment and crews, along the project corridor. This ability to coordinate and communicate between the three projects provides opportunity for scheduling and budgeting certainty for the project teams and streamlined coordination

and communication with the public for maintenance of traffic operations.”

So far, no soil, water or utility issues have been encountered.

This is the first time that Granite has worked in the Houston area.

“New relationships are being created as Granite hasn’t worked with this TxDOT area office in the past,” said Gonzalez. “Thus far, relations are good and we are looking forward to working with them.”

Vital Equipment

For paving, Granite is utilizing a GOMACO 500 rubber-

see HOUSTON page 12

The project consists of building a new overpass along the highway, frontage roads and four main lanes to improve access into Houston for the communities using County Road 48.

This is the first project that Granite has constructed in the Houston area.

Granite rents equipment from several companies in the Houston area, such as Doggett for John Deere, Mustang CAT, United Rentals, H&E Equipment and HERC Rentals.

HOUSTON from page 1

Granite Gives Houston New Roads in Its First Area Project

tracked placer, a GOMACO 2600 placer/spreader, a GOMACO GP3 slip form paver, a GOMACO TC5600 texture/cure machine and an ERIE Strayer MC-11C batch plant.

Clearing and grubbing is being conducted for the frontage road operations.

“The roads are continuously reinforced concrete paving over 1 inch,” said Gonzalez. “AC Bondbreaker over 6-inch cement-treated base over 10-inch lime-treated subgrade. At CR 48, grading operations have started for the northbound frontage road and its associated on/off ramps.”

On CR 63 and CR 63 areas, Granite has begun grading operations for shoulder widenings, temporary traffic switches and installation of temporary drainage.”

For the grading and drainage operations, Granite is using John Deere 700 dozers, John Deere 210 to 350 sized excavators and Cat 140 motor graders.

For the construction of the four main lanes to improve access into Houston via County Road 48, working adjacent to traffic is an ever-present challenge, with safety being a constant concern for the crews. The same equipment being used for the paving at other work zones is being used here.

For all three projects, approximately 7 mi. of embankments are being constructed.

Work on the CR 48 project is under way and the current schedule shows completion in April 2024. For Dubuque, the completion date is January 2025 and for Cedar Rapids, May 2025.

Granite’s project team is united.

“There are different levels of experience, expertise and knowledge amongst the leadership team in Houston,” said Gonzalez. “They do a great job in collaborating efforts to deliver the best possible solution, strategy, and development plans.”

As the project progresses, the Granite and subcontractor work force will increase in size. Local and regional subcontractors are being brought in.

With work still at the beginning stage, amounts of excavated and demolished materials and new materials have not been finalized.

Gonzalez noted that 350,000 cu. yds. of on-site excavation will be used for embankment on the project and that 70,000 tons of asphalt millings will be recycled and reused/treated for base material.

More equipment is being brought on-site as operations increase in size and scope.

“The normal wear and tear on equipment could be cutting edges on dozers wearing out and teeth on excavator buckets wearing out and needing to be replaced,” said Gonzalez.

“These repairs could be done in a matter of an hour or less pending material availability [cutting edges, bucket teeth]. Documentation, communication and inventory would be the keys to a successful maintenance program on the various pieces of equipment we have on-site. Having an

HOUSTON from page 10

Work on the overpasses are under way with drilled shafts and foundations being installed at CR 57, CR 56 and CR 64. All the beams will be precast concrete. All other aspects will be cast-in-place.

“There are different levels of experience, expertise and knowledge amongst the leadership team in Houston.”

Domingo Gonzalez Granite Construction

Contractor Excavates 350,000 Cu. Yds. of Embankment

understanding of what equipment needs to be serviced and when keeps the equipment moving.

“We have an on-site mechanic to perform repairs on the Granite owned assets,” he added. “The rented pieces of equipment will be serviced through each rental company.”

Having all three projects adjacent to each other permits Granite crews to be more efficient and productive.

Granite is renting equipment from several companies in the Houston area, such as Doggett for John Deere, Mustang CAT, United Rentals, H&E Equipment and HERC Rentals.

“The equipment suppliers are a crucial part of the project success as they will need to deliver necessary equipment in a timely manner when called upon,” said Gonzalez. “We believe the key to good relationships with suppliers is communication — keeping them in the loop and up-to-date on the project. The team did a great job during the preconstruction phase of the project creating an equipment schedule that we were

able to share with the suppliers to help us meet our deadlines by having equipment available.”

More Work On SH 288

Granite’s additional SH 288 projects,

scope of work includes the construction of five new bridges, the reconstruction and reconfiguration of entry and exit ramps approaching the new structures and new grade separations. Granite has set up a batch concrete plant to provide material for these projects.

On a daily basis, approximately 80,300 cars and trucks travel in this area.

According to a TxDOT web page, the work on SH 288 is being conducted because “the current roadway features two to four general purpose lanes in each direction separated by a grassy median.”

The proposed improvements include the construction of toll lanes within the existing grassy median, direct-connector improvements at Interstate Highway 610 and at Beltway 8, new overpasses at select existing at-grade intersections and improved access to the Texas Medical Center.

worth $107 million, were awarded last year on Sept. 20. One contract is centered on SH 288 at Cedar Rapids Parkway and the other at Dubuque Park. Together they cover 24 lane mi. in 6 mi. of a four lane highway. The

Planning for the work, which goes back to 2007, brought together TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration, which conducted a study of the corridor and its needs.

TxDOT is constantly monitoring the traffic management plans to minimize the

impacts to the traveling public and is modifying them if needed. Thus far, everything is going according to plan.

“The city of Manvel and city of Iowa Colony have passed ordinances to reduce the speed within their city limits and a Commission Minute Order has been passed for rural areas within the work zone,” said Danny Perez, a TxDOT public information officer of the Houston District.

The work comes on the heels of the recent completion of the Grand Parkway Project, with Granite teams ready for a seamless transition to the work on SH 288. The construction traverses Harris and Brazoria counties between Houston and Freeport.

“The project provides a vital route for commuters and freight and commercial trucking; and serves as a hurricane evacuation route,” said Perez. “It also addresses continuous growth in the area and improves access and connectivity.”

“The strong collaboration between our operating and estimating teams was critical to bid day success,” said Gonzalez. “These adjacent projects are also a chance to continue our successful partnership with the local TxDOT teams on delivering the infrastructure that people need.” 

(All photos courtesy of Granite.)

Granite will work with approximately 250,000 cu. yds. for embankments and another 50,000 cu. yds. during excavation.

HOUSTON from page 12

2022 ASPEN M5500 55/60 TON

HYDRAULIC DETACHABLE GOOSENECK LOW

Lowboy Trailers

2023 DURA HAUL 23-YD-XLT

Bottom Dump Trailers

AGC of Texas Selects Stacey Bryant as President for 2023

Stacey Bryant of Midland has been elected the 2023 president of the Associated General Contractors of Texas, the association which represents most of the state’s highway and bridge builders.

Bryant is principal and general manager of Odessa-based Jones Bros. Dirt & Paving Contractors, which has been constructing and maintaining highways across the Permian Basin for more than 70 years.

Bryant was inducted as the Associated General Contractors of Texas president on Jan. 4 in Austin.

“It is an honor to be elected by my peers in the industry, which is a fundamental industry to our state,” Bryant said.

AGC of Texas represents approximately 250 general highway construction contractors and nearly 450 associate companies, which provide engineering, equipment, materials and other needed industry services. All told, the highway construction industry employs thousands of workers and is responsible for approximately $10 billion worth of state highway construction and maintenance each year.

“Without roads and reliable infrastructure, products can’t get to market, and people can’t travel to where they need to be,” Bryant explained. “The highway construc-

tion industry is vital to all Texans and our great state.”

Stacey’s father, Terry Bryant, a principal of Jones Bros. Dirt & Paving Contractors, served as the president of AGC of Texas in 2005.

“Jones Bros. Dirt & Paving Contractors

have been safely building West Texas roads for more than 70 years and provide jobs for more than 350 families — that’s a legacy we are proud of,” Stacey said. “I’m also proud to carry on the family tradition of pro-

viding AGC of Texas leadership. This is an honor and responsibility I do not take lightly.”

Motorists drive hundreds of millions of miles every day on Texas roads. Last year, nearly 781 million miles were driven on Texas roads daily, including 573.9 million miles a day on pavement under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Transportation. Across the state, TxDOT is responsible for more than 80,000 mi. of interstate, U.S. highways, state highways and farm or ranch-to-market roads.

“The AGC will always be a partner with TxDOT,” Bryant said. “Through our member companies, we will continue to deliver quality roads in a safe and timely manner to our fellow Texans, who help fund the construction through their tax dollars.”

Bryant will serve as the AGC of Texas president through the end of 2023. 

AGC of Texas photo

Stacey Bryant (L), principal and general manager of Jones Bros. Dirt and Paving Contractors, was installed as president of the Associated General Contractors of Texas during a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Austin. Bryant accepts the leadership gavel from 2022 AGC President David Casteel.

Ørsted Breaks Ground On Mockingbird Solar Center

Ørsted, a utility-scale renewable energy developer with a large footprint in Texas, announced it has broken ground on the 471 MW Mockingbird solar center.

The project is Ørsted’s largest solar facility.

The facility is expected to produce the equivalent of 80,000 Texas homes’ electricity demand, interconnecting with Texas utility Oncor. The project will create at least 200 jobs during construction and will require long-term staffing for operations and maintenance. Project construction is expected to be completed in 2024.

The project will inject an estimated $215 million new revenue into the tax base, promoting local economic development in Lamar County and providing long-term financial support for North Lamar and Chisum Independent School Districts.

As part of the project, Ørsted announced it is collaborating with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to protect nearly 1,000 acres of native tallgrass prairies in Texas. The company will purchase and transfer the land to TNC this year. Less

W.D. ‘Dee’ Hilton Jr. Receives

TxDOT’s 2023 Road Hand Award

than one percent of the original tallgrass prairies of Texas remain today and less than 5 percent has survived nationwide. The collaboration will mark the largest conservation of tallgrass prairies on record. The Mockingbird project will occupy 4,900 acres, which stretches into the Smiley-Woodfin Native prairie grassland, the largest contiguous remnant of a rare and threatened type of native prairie found in only a few counties in north Texas.

“We need to deliver green energy for this generation while protecting natural habitats for the next,” said Daniel Willard, biodiversity specialist, Ørsted. “Drawing on both internal expertise and outside guidance, we will continue to look for opportunities to protect the prairie and ensure that native plants and pollinators thrive.”

The transaction is part of the solar developer’s stated goal of being net-positive to biodiversity by 2030. Ørsted’s global biodiversity platform includes programs that range from regrowing coral and monitoring crustacean habitat, to seagrass restoration and oyster reintroduction. 

Considered one of TxDOT’s highest honors, the Road Hand award was created in 1973 and is given to those who support and have led major transportation projects and programs that have benefitted their communities.

“Fifty years ago, former State Highway Engineer Luther DeBerry created the Road Hand Award to serve as the highest tribute to public-spirited individuals who give freely of their time to champion transportation projects throughout the state,” said Noel Paramanantham, District Engineer for TxDOT’s nine-county Paris District in Northeast Texas. “He recognized that TxDOT owes a great deal to its many friends and supporters for their efforts to make our highway program the best in the world.

“Without their support and hard work, TxDOT could not accomplish all that it does,” he added. “Since its inception in 1973, only 270 Texans have received the Road Hand Award. This year, TxDOT added W.D. Hilton to this prestigious club.

“TxDOT’s Paris District is very thankful to Mr. Hilton for his efforts to partner with all stakeholders in transportation. In the modern era of transportation, it is imperative that the right projects are delivered at the right time. This is accomplished with not only TxDOT taking the lead, but our transportation partners at the local level and our Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) partners.

“Mr. Hilton’s strong work ethic and desire for a safer, efficient transportation system while being a champion to build consensus among all stake holders, has resulted in overall funding of more than $352.7 million in projects being developed statewide for future funding,” Paramanantham added. 

W. D. “Dee” Hilton Jr. received the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2023 Road Hand Award recently at the annual Texas Transportation Forum.

TxDOT photo

W. D. “Dee” Hilton Jr.

The Worldwide Leader in Concrete Paving Technology

GOMACO offers the full range of concrete slipform pavers, curb and gutter machines, trimmers, placer/spreaders, texture/cure machines and bridge/canal finishing equipment. GOMACO equipment features our exclusive and proprietary G+® control system, created in-house by our software engineers from the wants and needs of contractors paving in the field. At the heart of GOMACO equipment is our passion for concrete and our commitment to our customers. We look forward to visiting with you about your upcoming paving projects and your concrete paving equipment needs. Our worldwide distributor network and our corporate team always stand ready to serve and assist you.

Ryan Completes Her Six-Year Term as

TTC Commissioner

TxDOT photo

During Laura Ryan’s (R) time as commissioner, TxDOT dedicated hundreds of millions of dollars directly to safety improvements on Texas highways. Those improvements included widening roads, adding rumble strips that help drivers remain alert, adding reinforced shoulders and turn lanes and implementing new technology that will increase safety across Texas.

An extraordinary champion for safety and a steadfast supporter of TxDOT’s #EndTheStreakTX campaign, Commissioner Laura Ryan completed her six-year term on the Texas Transportation Commission on Feb. 1.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the great state of Texas for the past six years,” Ryan said. “We have taken some remarkable steps forward in terms of safety on our roads and our push to end the streak of daily deaths, but there is still work to be done.”

Since Nov. 7, 2000, at least one person has died on Texas roads every day. For the past several years, approximately 10 people have died every day in crashes across the state.

Ryan, a fierce advocate for road safety and #EndTheStreakTX, said every Texan must do their part to end the deadly streak.

“TxDOT takes this shared responsibility seriously,” remarked Ryan. “While we work to engineer our roads to be safer, we need drivers to do their part too. Don’t drink and drive. Put away the cell phone. Buckle up. Drive the speed limit or lower when conditions require it. Obey traffic laws. These simple measures can save lives.”

During Ryan’s time as commissioner, TxDOT dedicated hundreds of millions of dollars directly to safety improvements on Texas highways. Those improvements included widening roads, adding rumble strips that help drivers remain alert, adding reinforced shoulders and turn lanes and implementing new technology that will increase safety across Texas.

In 2019, the Texas Transportation Commission approved a goal to end all fatalities on Texas roads by 2050.

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Ryan to the Texas Transportation Commission, which oversees statewide activities of the Texas Department of Transportation, in July 2016. Ryan was reappointed March 2, 2017 and confirmed by the Senate on April 19, 2017, for a full six-year term.

The Texas Transportation Commission consists of five commissioners appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. 

Dallas, Fort Worth OSHA Offices, BBB to Educate Builders

OSHA’s Dallas and Fort Worth area offices and the Better Business Bureau have signed an alliance to educate employers and employees on workplace hazards. The alliance’s partners will provide information, guidance and training resources to construction and general industry employers to help protect the safety and health of workers. The alliance will also promote better understanding of workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

“OSHA’s alliance with the Better Business Bureau will greatly improve knowledge regarding the health and safety of business owners and their employees who partner with the organization,” explained OSHA Area Director Basil Singh in Dallas.

“This alliance will allow OSHA to provide outreach opportunities for the Better Business Bureau members covering 47 counties in the Dallas and Fort Worth area,” added OSHA Area Director Timothy Minor in Fort Worth.

OSHA’s Alliance Program works with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. These groups include unions, consulates, trade or professional organizations, businesses, faith- and community-based organizations and educational institutions. OSHA and the groups work together to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, share information with workers and employers and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.

About Better Business Bureau Central Texas

This Better Business Bureau office was established in 1920 as the first BBB in Texas and provides its services free to the public. We now have offices located in Dallas, Lubbock and Wichita Falls which serve a combined 47 counties, 5.6 million consumers, and 135,000 businesses. Proudly serving the following 47 Texas counties: Archer, Bailey, Baylor, Borden, Clay, Cochran, Collin, Cooke, Cottle, Crosby, Dallas, Dawson, Delta, Denton, Dickens, Ellis, Fannin, Foard, Floyd, Garza, Gaines, Grayson, Hale, Hardeman, Haskell, Hockley, Hopkins, Hunt, Jack, Kaufman, Kent, King, Knox, Lamar, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Motley, Montague, Rockwall, Stonewall, Terry, Throckmorton, Wichita, Wilbarger, Yoakum and Young. 

Better Business Bureau photo (L-R): OSHA’s Fort Worth Area Director Timothy Minor; Better Business Bureau, North Central Texas President, CEO, Jay Newman; OSHA’s Dallas Area Office Director Basil Singh and Better Business Bureau North Central Texas COO David Beasley signed an alliance on Feb. 6, 2023, to promote understanding of workplace safety, health rights and responsibilities.

KIRBYUSED.COM

“One of the largest sources of used Komatsu equipment in North America”

Kubota

2018 Komatsu PC360LC-11

2018 Komatsu D61PXi-24 Dozer

2014 John Deere 210G Excavator HYD, QC, 48” BKT JD14024U

2018 Komatsu PC210LC-11 With 24” Bucket

2018 Komatsu HD605-8 Dump Truck

2018 Grove GRT8100

2014 Komatsu PC290LC-10 BKT

2016 Komatsu D61PX-24

2019 Komatsu D65PXi-18 Dozer

2019 Komatsu PC88MR-10 Hydraulic Excavator

2013 Komatsu GD655-5 Grader with Ripper KM13212M $129,500

2020 Komatsu PC490LC-11 Excavator

2019 Broce Broom BW260 Sweeper BR19015

2018 Komatsu PC490LC-11 HYD Excavator

2018 Terramac RT-9 Track Carrier Utility Bed TM18032M $179,500

2016 Komatsu PC240LC-11 KM16519X $157,500

2020 Komatsu WA380-8 2SP, ML, QC, BKT, FRK K20121M