Texas 13, June 18, 2023

Fluor Builds Elevated Lanes, Bridges On $548M Job

By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT

As part of a $4 billion effort spearheaded by the Texas Department of Transportation, Fluor Corporation began work on the I-35 Capital Express South project. This portion of the massive Lone Star State project is valued at $548 million.

The contractor is in the process of adding two non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle managed lanes in each direction along I-35 from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast, elevating the HOV lanes between SH 71/Ben While Boulevard and Slaughter Lane, reconstructing several bridges, constructing a southbound I-35 intersection bypass lane that will allow traffic to bypass Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive, improving east/west connections over or under I-35 and adding approximately 13 mi. of new shared-use pedestrian and bicycle paths throughout the corridor.

The elevated managed lanes between Stassney Lane and Slaughter Lane presented one of the biggest challenges for the contractor. “These were complicated structures, both to design and to construct, given their size, shape and placement along a very congested corridor,” said Ivan Baker, TxDOT project manager of the I-35 Capital Express South project. “Another design challenge involved integrating the South project with recently completed TxDOT projects like the I-35 from William Cannon Drive to Stassney Lane project. The design team developed alignments for the mainlanes, frontage roads and ramps that minimized throwaway costs by incorporating the recently constructed work into the South project design.

“The design team sought to maximize efficiency in construction using multiple methods,” he added. “First, the team limited the varying sizes and shapes of beams and columns being proposed. Another method included developing a construction phasing plan that called for starting the roadway

see SOUTH page 10

Fluor Corporation is performing upgrades in Austin via the the I-35 Capital Express South project, a massive job valued at $548 million, which is part of a $4 billion reconstruction effort.

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RDO Hosts Mayor, Experts During Buda Grand Opening

RDO Equipment Co.’s Senior Vice President Cory Kosse, Vice President Mark Garrett and Buda’s General Manager Ryan Wagner celebrated the grand opening of the new RDO store on June 1.

“Texas has seen incredible change and infrastructure growth over the past decade and we see even more ahead,” Kosse said. “RDO and its team members partner with contractors to meet the industry’s demand to build communities through accurate, efficient and consistent service and support.”

Located halfway between existing RDO stores in Pflugerville and New Braunfels, Buda was chosen as the prime location to help contractors in the booming regions between Austin and San Antonio metro areas. The 32,390 sq.-ft. Buda building includes 21 acres of property with several features to serve contractors, operators and project managers:

•An innovative vertical lift storage system to economize space and provide access to a wide selection of parts;

•Innovative use of natural light to reduce electricity needs;

•Total of 12 service bays, large enough to accommodate all makes and models of equipment;

•Dedicated undercarriage/track shop with cylinder repair station, which again allows RDO to service all makes of equipment;

•Dedicated field service technicians

to work on John Deere and Topcon products.

Wagner highlights this location as the largest RDO equipment yard in the state, with plenty of room for future expansion. Buda’s RDO store allows customers to access needed equipment and technology without fighting traffic in expanding metros. With this new location comes more than 20 job opportunities.

Buda’s opening follows several other developments to serve Texas’ booming construction industry:

• RDO announces leadership changes aligned with growth opportunities;

• RDO is the only intelligent paving dealer with a direct dealer status for all eight stores;

• RDO has expanded its technology team to provide dedicated support in Texas;

• And as a Topcon Positioning Systems direct dealer for more than a year, RDO provides contractors with a fully integrated, single resource for Topcon’s machine control, GPS, road scanning and positioning technology.

“Innovations in technology help our customers manage tighter agency specifications, smaller bid margins and an everchanging workforce,” Kosse said.

Kosse continues to build a dynamic team by appointing Mike Miller to the recently created general manager of Texas integrated controls role. RDO Integrated Controls (RDOIC) is a technology support provider

through unparalleled product support and word class training. For nearly 15 years, the RDOIC has created the RDO technology team and a support network across all eight states where team members partner with partner contractors, roadbuilders, operators, designers and more. Founded in 2009, this team of more than 100 leading construction technology experts is one of North America’s leading construction technology companies.

“Building upon the strong reputation RDO Equipment Co. already has in Texas, we can be our customers’ guide through this journey to onboard Intelligent Paving Solutions,” Miller said.

Contractors in Buda and its surrounding areas can now leverage RDO’s equipment and technology experts, parts, services and support.

About RDO Equipment Co.

Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. sells and supports agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, Vermeer and Topcon. RDO Equipment Co. is a total solutions provider with more than 75 locations across the United States and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico and Ukraine.

For more information, visit www.rdoequipment.com. 

(All photos courtesy of RDO.)

Located halfway between existing RDO stores in Pflugerville and New Braunfels, Buda was chosen as the prime location to help contractors in the booming regions between Austin and San Antonio metro areas.

Buda General Manager Ryan Wagner

Senior Vice President Cory Kosse

TxDOT Awards Webber $264M for Three Highway Projects

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has chosen Webber, a U.S. subsidiary of Spanish infrastructure firm Ferrovial, to perform three highway projects worth $264 million, the company recently announced.

The largest of the three contracts is $134 million and will see Webber extend the main lanes of State Loop (SL) 335 and perform frontage road construction near Amarillo, Texas.

Webber’s contract is part of the state’s effort to upgrade the entire loop to a controlled-access roadway with main lanes, ramps, one-way frontage roads that feature bike and pedestrian access and four multi-level interchanges.

Ferrovial said that Webber started its 5.6-mi. portion of the work in June and will complete the contract in late 2026.

The company also will widen State Highway (SH) 99 west of Houston from the West Park Tollway to Interstate 10 near Katy, Texas, under a $90 million contract. Webber will widen 6.5 mi. of main lanes, expand several bridges and expects to complete the project in mid-2025.

Texas officials have been advancing the 180-mi. SH 99/Grand Parkway project for decades. The full project, which is divided into 11 segments, ultimately would travel through seven counties around Houston, according to the TxDOT.

Webber’s third contract with the department is in the amount of $40 million. Under this scope, the company will widen SL 378 in San Angelo, Texas, (Tom Green County) and rebuild 2 mi. of the road to make room for a new center lane that will provide congestion relief for the highway. Construction will start in August and wrap up by 2026.

With these three contracts, Ferrovial said Webber has 35 civil construction projects under way, including a $113.6 million expansion of SH 36 in West Columbia (Brazoria County), Texas, next to the Brazos River.

As part of its work, Webber will widen SH 36 from a onelane asphalt road to a two-lane concrete paved roadway with a middle turn lane, build seven bridges, improve drainage for the river’s flood water drainage and build a new overpass.

The TxDOT is improving the SH 36 corridor in order to

meet population growth in the area and to provide additional capacity during hurricane evacuations.

Ferrovial said that the project will include 295,000 cu. yds. of excavation, 400,000 cu. yds. of embankment, 360,000 sq. yds. of concrete paving and 41,000 linear ft. of storm drainage.

Webber should be complete with construction by the end of 2025. 

(Photo courtesy of TxDOT.)

Gov. Abbott Deploys Resources to Fix Flood Issues in Northwest

Gov. Greg Abbott recently directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy state emergency response resources as a significant flooding and severe weather threat continues across Northwest Texas.

“With Northwest Texas experiencing significant flooding, the State of Texas is swiftly deploying flood response resources to help local emergency officials keep Texans safe,” said Gov. Abbott. “Texans are urged to regularly monitor weather and driving conditions and to forgo travel in impacted areas over the next several days as flash flood threats continue. Please continue to heed the guidance of local and emergency officials to protect yourselves and your loved ones. Turn around, don't drown. I thank all of our emergency personnel who continue to protect our communities during these storms.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts pockets of heavy rainfall between 3 to 6 in. could impact the area, which has already seen significant moisture over the previous month, leading to additional flash flooding. NWS also forecasts an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms in the western portion of the state, bringing threats of large hail, damaging winds and possible tornadoes.

At the Governor’s direction, TDEM activated the following state resources to support flood response operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Two Swiftwater Boat Squads;

• Texas A&M Forest Service: Two Texas intrastate fire mutual aid system strike teams comprised of high profile vehicles and two

boat teams;

• Texas Department of Transportation: personnel to assist with traffic control and road closures;

• Texas Parks and Wildlife: game wardens and boat squads;

• Texas Department of Public Safety: helicopters with hoist capability;

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension

Service (Public Works Response Team): Personnel to support flood pump operations;

• Texas National Guard: Two ground transportation platoons with high profile vehicles;

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: air/water/wastewater monitoring;

• Texas Animal Health Commission: Personnel to provide livestock support; TDEM is contracting additional water pumps to assist local jurisdictions impacted by flooding.

Additionally, TDEM placed the following resources on standby to support flood operations as warranted:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas Task Force 2): Urban search and rescue personnel;

• Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): severe weather packages.

Shelters are being opened in impacted jurisdictions. Texans are encouraged to contact their local emergency management office for local shelter information.

Roadway travel is discouraged in impacted areas. Texans are urged to visit DriveTexas.org to check travel conditions.

(All photos courtesy of TxDOT.)

Part of the contract includes the widening of State Highway (SH) 99 west of Houston from the West Park Tollway to Interstate 10 near Katy, Texas, under a $90 million contract.

Gov. Abbott recently directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy state emergency response resources as a significant flooding and severe weather threat continues across Northwest Texas.

Crews Constructing ‘Complicated Structures’ Along Highway

and structures work in the I-35 median to reduce the risk of delays that could occur due to right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocations along the frontage roads. The design team also sought to maximize the size of work zones to provide the necessary space for the contractor to operate.”

Given the size and magnitude of the South project, the traffic management plan required extra attention and detail to minimize impacts during construction.

“The plan calls for maintaining three mainlanes of traffic in each direction along I-35 at all times,” said Baker. “Any closures of the mainlanes, that are not full closures, will be short duration impacts, such as overnight or on the weekends. All closures are communicated to the public in advance and timed so as not to occur during higher traffic periods, such as holidays, UT football games, SXSW, ACL, etc.”

The work is taking place in four phases. Phase I has crews constructing elevated managed lanes between SH 71/Ben White Boulevard and Slaughter Lane, reconstructing South Boggy Creek bridge, constructing a braided ramp at South Boggy Creek and relocating utilities.

Phase II will see the construction of the southbound I-35 bypass lane, widening the Slaughter Creek bridge, constructing a new Onion Creek bridge, and reconstructing entrance and exit ramps along the mainlanes and frontage roads. Phase III will focus on widening northbound and southbound I-35 frontage roads, and constructing shared-use paths throughout the corridor. Phase IV crews will perform final paving and striping.

“We’re just in the beginning stages, so we are setting all of our temporary concrete barriers and doing some temporary widenings and detours to get everything set up for major Phase 1 work,” said Matthew Krein, Fluor Heavy Civil’s Construction’s project director, who noted that this was TxDOT’s largest bid-build project when the contract was awarded. “The major challenges are labor and logistics, getting all of the material and equipment in and out of the job site in a safe working manner, while trying to maintain the same number of lanes during the day to minimize the impact on the traveling public.”

Utilities are being relocated and placed on both sides of the highway.

“More than half of our work will be performed at night just because of the limitations and restrictions on hours when we can close lanes on I-35,” said Krein.

“Approaching the elevated section in this manner will reduce the duration of traffic impacts to the tie-in at SH 71/Ben White Boulevard,” said Baker. “The elevated managed lanes are expected to take more than five years to complete, weather permitting. The overall length of the elevated section is 12,570 feet, roughly 2.4 miles and will be constructed over both Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive bridges.”

The highest section of the elevated managed lanes will be 60 ft. above the I-35 mainlanes. The height of the elevated lanes is necessary to provide the proper vertical clearance to pass over both the Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive bridges. While the span lengths vary, the most common length is 125 ft. The longest span is 244 ft. at Williamson Creek, followed by the spans over Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive bridges.

“The components of the substructure will be cast-inplace concrete,” said Baker. “Several caps are steel to accommodate the ingress and egress ramps connected to the elevated managed lanes. The elevated section will

provide two, 12 ft. lanes with 11 ft. outside shoulders and 4 ft. inside shoulders in both directions. The contractor will begin by constructing the drill shaft foundations into solid limestone, followed by columns, column capitals and caps. They will use multiple crews, working continuously, to construct the different components for each structure.”

High strength structural concrete is used in all components of the elevated managed lanes. The deck’s compressive strength is designated at 4,000 psi and the substructure components are designated at 3,600 psi. With proper curing, the concrete will attain full strength within seven days.

Krein explained that this work will start this summer, barring any weather issues, with the goal of completion for 2027. Work will begin at the north end of the corridor, near Stassney Lane and Williamson Creek and continue south to Boggy Creek. The shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians is adjacent to the existing roadway.

“The elevated lanes are being placed above the median, with a portion overhanging the existing lane below,” he said.

SOUTH from page 1 see SOUTH page 16

“One of the unique things on this job is that TxDOT speci-

fied that we use a mobile concrete traffic barriers that can be moved nightly to close lanes.”

Fluor will be building large cast-in-place, hammerheadtype concrete caps to hold the typical 125-ft. long bridge spans, with the concrete supplied by a batch plant located at the south end of the project in a construction yard.

“The work follows TxDOT’s typical bridge standard,” said Krein.

“We have three spans that are using steel girders because they go over a creek and cross streets due to the lengths we have to achieve,” said Krein.

The reconstruction of the South Boggy Creek bridge will be a phased demolition and reconstruction effort. Crews will demolish the existing culverts, reconstruct the frontage road and mainlane bridges and construct braided ramps.

“The challenges we are facing before construction include the design of the MSE walls inundated in water,” said Baker. “The strap lengths for the MSE wall panels are required to be up to 36-feet long and interrupt the phasing of the traffic control plan. The bridge will be composite prestressed concrete I-girders on drilled shafts. The managed lanes will add

The work is taking place in four phases. Phase I has crews constructing elevated managed lanes between SH 71/Ben White Boulevard and Slaughter Lane, reconstructing South Boggy Creek bridge, constructing a braided ramp at South Boggy Creek and relocating utilities.

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Texas Contractor Ramps Up Work to Meet DFW Demands

Residential growth north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has been explosive, according to Precision Concrete & Excavation LLC Vice President of Operations Todd Osborn.

“The pace is off the charts and we’re continually ramping up as fast as possible to meet customer demand,” Osborn explained. “During the past few months, we’ve added employees and our revenue stream quadrupled in just under a year. We just keep popping.”

Demand for Precision Concrete & Excavation continues to grow because the company provides customers with turnkey site construction services. Osborn said when a client managing a development gives the company a project, they can be assured it will be done on budget and on schedule.

“We take a piece of bare ground where maybe there were cows grazing at one point and leave with a finished product ready to build on,” Osborn said. “Our services include clearing, mass grading, utility installation, retaining and screen wall construction, putting pads to grade, and both concrete and asphalt paving. There is very little we can’t do. Our customers like that because they don’t have to coordinate multiple contractors.”

Experience to Meet Challenges

While most of Precision Concrete & Excavation’s growth has come during the past year, it has steadily been building its resume since owner Jeremy Gosselin founded it approximately five years ago. Osborn, who had his own business and subcontracted utility installation for Precision Concrete & Excavation, joined the company around the time its demand increased. Bryan Poché came on board as the director of business development.

“Experience is one of our greatest strengths and a big reason why we have been able to build so quickly,” stated Poché. “Jeremy has about 20 years in the industry and Todd and I brought several years to the table. We know how to plan, sequence and execute in order for projects to go smoothly from start to finish. That’s helped us develop some excellent relationships that have turned into mainly repeat

work.”

Osborn estimated that Precision Concrete & Excavation typically has about 15 jobs in the works at any one time across a territory that covers around a 70-mi. radius of its headquarters in Celina, Texas.

“Fortunately, most of our jobs right now are within about 25 miles, so we haven’t had to travel too far, which has been attractive to new hires,” said Poché. “That’s helped us build an excellent staff of people who we can depend on, which only increases our abilities and success.”

During the past couple of years, Precision Concrete & Excavation crews have completed, or are in the stages of completing, several large undertakings. One of the biggest and most complex is a subdivision project in Celina, Texas, where crews have moved about 500,000 yds. of dirt and installed approximately 30,000 ft. of utilities.

“We don’t shy away from challenges and that one defi-

nitely meets the criteria,” stated Osborn. “There are places where we laid 36-inch gas pipelines 30-feet deep and there were existing energy transfer lines that we had to contend with. There’s rock at about 25 feet deep, so we’re laying 3foot sewer pipe 30-feet deep. There was some soil conditioning as well. From start to finish, it’s about a year-long job.”

Building Komatsu Fleet With KSM

Precision Concrete & Excavation turns to Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. (KSM) for Komatsu equipment and support. KSM Territory Manager Matt Probey assists with acquisitions and Product Support Sales Representative (PSSR) Jordan Washam helps coordinate service and parts needs.

“Based on our experience, we have a good idea of what we need in terms of machinery, but the Kirby-Smith team also has guided us in using equipment that may be more effective and efficient on certain projects,” said Osborn. “For instance, putting a versatile dozer like a (Komatsu) D71 on a job that can handle everything from stripping to final grade may be the better choice than using a large dozer for mass excavation and then bringing in a smaller one to finish. They have really helped us build up our fleet and increase productivity in a relatively short timeframe, as well as been a great resource when it comes to financing and putting packages together. We have significantly reduced the percentage of competitive machines we own thanks to them.”

Poché added, “Kirby-Smith separates itself from the competition through service. We rarely have issues with Komatsu equipment, but on the occasions we do, they respond right away. Kirby-Smith understands how valuable it is to keep downtime to a minimum because, bottom line, it affects all of us. In some cases, we haven’t seen that with other equipment dealers.”

Precision Concrete & Excavation currently utilizes approximately 30 pieces of Komatsu equipment from KSM. In addition to dozers, it has varying sizes of excavators, wheel loaders and trucks.

Todd Osborn, vice president of operations. Bryan Poché, director of business development.

An operator digs a utility trench with a Komatsu PC360LC-11 excavator.

On a job site near Celina, Texas, an operator moves dirt with a Komatsu D85EX dozer. “We love the reliability of Komatsu,” commented Precision Concrete & Excavation Vice President of Operations Todd Osborn. “It performs day in and day out with excellent uptime. The durability is great too.” see PRECISION page 22

Highway Project Work Will Be Completed in Four Phases

SOUTH from page 10

two lanes in both directions. The new mainlanes will have three lanes in both directions. This area will also include braided entrance ramps to the managed lanes and mainlanes.”

The bridge will be constructed in phases, working from the outside inwards. A cast in place substructure with prestressed concrete I-girders and combination decking will be utilized for the reconstruction.

“Crews will reconstruct the frontage road bridges while traffic is switched to the mainlanes,” said Baker. “Once complete, mainlane traffic will switch to the new frontage roads as crews start working on demolishing and reconstructing the mainlanes. The mainlanes will be replaced completely through multi-staged construction.”

The plan is to demolish the bridge in sections starting with the outside frontage road lanes, with construction debris removed immediately after operations.

“We’re reconstructing most of the bridges over Boggy Creek,” said Krein. “We’ll demolish out the culvert [boxes] from underneath to keep the creek moving. “

Krein and his team have time to plan the execution of this work.

“The Boggy Creek work ties into the work on the elevated lanes,” he said.

Construction of a braided ramp at South Boggy Creek is anticipated to begin in late 2024 or early 2025, weather permitting.

“The biggest challenge associated with the braided ramp is constructing the bridge within a constrained work area,” said Baker. “The project team will need careful planning and construction sequencing are the critical components considering the limited amount of space.”

The bridge over Onion Creek, nearly one-third of a mile in length, is also being replaced.

“We’re constructing this in three phases,” said Krein. “We have to demolish and leave parts of the existing bridge and then build the new bridge around it due to major traffic shifts over Onion Creek. We’ll start demolition this fall and complete the new structure by mid-2027.”

Many utilities will be relocated throughout the corridor such as electrical, water, wastewater and communications.

“We have overhead and underground electrical and telecom, water and sewer lines and we’re moving a bunch of roadway lighting and illumination,” said Krein, “as well as moving TxDOT ITS infrastructure, including all their cameras along the corridor that feed to their control center. The relocation will continue until the end of the job.”

“This is an ongoing task," said Baker. “The plan is to relocate each utility with minimal impacts to the community and project.”

Krein stated, “The labor market in Austin is challenging right now — there is a shortage of workers. We’ve been lucky in finding Fluor crews and the individuals that we have, along with our subcontractors. So far things are going well. The guys are doing a good job of working safely and getting things done.”

Fluor’s management team includes Mike Ortiz, the construction manager who has more than 30 years of experience, and Richard Snow, the deputy project director, also a veteran.

Demolition and excavation operations for the South project should generate approximately 40,000 tons of concrete, 100,000 tons of asphalt, 4,500 tons of steel and 600,000 tons

of earth and rock.

“We are using local facilities that will separate the reinforcing steel and then crush the concrete to be used as a fill material for road base or other backfill,” said Krein. “The reinforcing steel and other metal will be sent to recycling facilities and the earth and rock will be incorporated into the new construction.”

New materials will include: 425,000 tons of concrete, 500,000 tons of asphalt, 20,000 tons of steel, and 130,000 linear ft. of pipe.

Busy days have 225 plus Fluor and subcontractor personnel. Major subcontractors include: Lone Star Paving, The Levy Company Inc., Light It Up Electric, J.B. Pinnacle Group LLC, Texas Highway Walls LLC, Future Infrastructure LLC, Bexar Concrete Works, W& W-AFCO Steel LLC and Fortiline Waterworks.

A fair amount of equipment will be used. This includes: a Cat 140 motor grader; a Cat 259D compact track loader; a Cat 304 mini excavator; Cat M322-F, 336F and 349F excavators; a Cat 430F backhoe; Cat D5K dozers; Cat 938M wheel loaders; Dieci 11.58 11K telehandlers; an Erie Strayer MG12 Central Concrete mix plant; a Grove 765E2 65-ton rough terrain crane and a GHC140 140-ton tele-crawler crane; a JLG 660SJ 60&39; with 6-ft. job manlift; a John Deere 245 zero swing excavator; a John Deere 310SL backhoe; a John Deere 350G excavator; a John Deere 380G excavator; a John Deere 550k dozer; John Deere 624K and 744L wheel loaders; a Link-Belt RT8080 — 80 ton tough terrain crane; a Snorkel S600X 60-ft. manlift; Sullair compressors; a Tadano GTC-2000 172-ton tele-crawler crane; truck-mounted attenuators; various Sheepsfoot and smooth drum rollers; and an Xtreme XR1255 12K telehandler.

General wear and tear includes tires, under carriage components, ground engagement tools, hydraulic lines, etc.

“The time it takes to perform repairs depends on the demand associated with the repair and the complexity of the break down,” said Krein. “Most breakdowns will be addressed immediately by site mechanics. The location of the project is also close in proximity to dealers we rely on for the bulk of our fleet, so their response time is generally pretty quick also. Fluor uses a combination of on-site mechanics for general maintenance and our support system with local equipment shops and dealers for larger repairs.

“Proper use and care of equipment is the key to maintenance on long-term projects,” he added. “Operator training, maintaining a strong visual inspection program, accompanied by a well-managed preventive maintenance and repair program.”

Fluor purchases, rents and maintains equipment from dealerships such as RDO Equipment, H&E Equipment, Niece Equipment, United Rentals and Sunbelt Rentals, all located in Austin.

“The dealerships have great customer service,” said Krein. “They offer different purchase programs, provide excellent service and are always willing to provide support. Gearing up for large projects takes a tremendous effort. Fluor has built strong relationships with our supporting dealers over the years. Fluor project leadership and equipment management continuously engage and plan with dealers for both purchase and long-term rental equipment needs to stay ahead of upcoming equipment and support needs.  CEG

(All photos courtesy of TxDOT.)

New materials will include: 425,000 tons of concrete, 500,000 tons of asphalt, 20,000 tons of steel and 130,000 linear ft. of pipe.

Construction of a braided ramp at South Boggy Creek is anticipated to begin in late 2024 or early 2025. The biggest challenge associated with the braided ramp is constructing the bridge within a constrained work area.

Three Contractors Will Rebuild Three Highway Bridges

A rendering of the new Midkiff bridge project — awarded to James Construction with a bid of $36.3 million. Pulice Construction was awarded the CR 1250 bridge project with a bid of $59.1 million. FNF Construction was awarded the Cotton Flat bridge project with a bid of $68.5 million.

Interstate 20 travelers in Midland can see the new bridge at CR 1250 taking shape. Next in line for renovation is the Midkiff bridge followed by Cotton Flat.

Phased demolition of the existing Midkiff structure began on May 31. The roadway approaches to the bridge going over I-20 were closed on May 30.

This overpass configuration will eliminate the risk of bridge strikes on I-20 by trucks and provides accessible pedestrian walkways.

When completed, the CR 1250, Midkiff and Cotton Flat overpasses will provide commuters and trucking interests a safer and more efficient I-20 corridor.

Pulice Construction was awarded the CR 1250 bridge project with a bid of approximately $59.1 million. James Construction was awarded the Midkiff bridge project with a bid of approximately $36.3 million. FNF Construction was awarded the Cotton Flat bridge project with a bid of approximately $68.5 million.

Ahead of the Midkiff closure, north-south travelers on Midkiff need to plan for alternate routes and provide extra time for travel. When the existing bridge is closed, both Midkiff and Cotton Flat will be unavailable for northsouth travel across I-20. This will push traffic to LP 250, Antelope Trail & SH 349 and commuters should expect longer than normal travel time on these north-south roadways.

While Business 20 provides alternate east-west connection between SH 349 and LP 250 north of I-20, County Road 140 provides alternate east-west connection south of the interstate. The overpass at CR 1250 and county road extension is expected to open in summer of 2023 providing additional east-west connection from CR 1250 to LP 250 along Cholla Road.

Midkiff Road is expected to reopen in early spring of 2024. Cotton Flat Road will reopen shortly after in spring 2024.

(Photo courtesy of TxDOT.)

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Buffalo, TX 903-322-5602

Carrollton, TX 214-819-4100

Ft. Worth, TX 817-626-2288

Houston, TX 713-937-3005

Longview, TX 903-758-5576

Midland, TX 432-234-9409

Precision Concrete & Excavation Leans On Iron From KSM

PRECISION from page 14

“My experience with Komatsu goes back a long way, even before I joined Precision, so I know they are quality machines that get the job done,” said Osborn. “We love the reliability of Komatsu. It performs day in and day out with excellent uptime. The durability is great too. Some of our work can be hard on equipment. We’re ripping rock, not baking cakes, and Komatsu has always been up to the task.”

Plus, KSM technicians perform routine maintenance for the first 2,000 hours or three years through Komatsu Care. “Kirby tracks the machines and contacts us to set up the services when it’s convenient for us — again, to minimize downtime,” said Poché. “They track the hours with Komtrax, and they have worked with us to use Komtrax as well, so we can monitor hours, fuel usage, machine utilization and more. The level of service we get from Kirby is unmatched.”

More of the Same

While it is Precision Concrete & Excavation’s preference to do full site packages, the company does occasionally break out its services and do stand-alone clearing, utility, paving and dirt jobs. It’s also not solely focused on residential construction.

“We have done some light commercial and a little bit of municipal, but residential is our bread and butter,” said Osborn. “There’s so much more of it right now, and most sites are open with no existing utilities or structures to deal with, so we can get in and get the job done quickly and move on to the next.”

Osborn and Poché don’t foresee any change in the current plan and continue to look forward to Precision Concrete & Excavation building on what it has accomplished.

“We see the growth pattern continuing for the near and long term,” said Poché. “In fact, it’s likely we will branch out farther and develop more relationships with developers. Another thing that won’t change is our commitment to doing the best for our customers. We believe there are a lot more projects where we can partner up because there just doesn’t seem to be any slowdown in this area.” 

(All photos courtesy of Kirby-Smith Machinery.)

KSM Territory Manager Matt Probey (L) and KSM PSSR Jordan Washam (R) talk with Precision Concrete & Excavation Director of Business Development Bryan Poché on a job site.

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