State Supplement sponsored by:
TEXAS STATE EDITION THOUSANDS of units in service Shipment in 1-3 days
®
SAME DAY shipping on parts & tools FULLY SUPPORTED by a 75 YEAR FAMILY BUSINESS
August 19 2018
10% off 10,000 ft. lb. hammers
Vol. III • No. 17
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”
Your Texas Connection • Dennis Hogeboom • 1-877-7CEGLTD • dennishogeboom@cegltd.com
Why pay more?
CALL 800-367-4937 *On approved credit • Financing Available
Bright Future in El Paso With $35M ‘Widening and Illumination’ Project By Jennifer Rupp CEG CORRESPONDENT
Touted as one of Texas’s first state projects to be designed entirely in a 3dimensional environment, the El Paso
Widening and Illumination project comes complete with 3D files for construction. The $35 million venture covers 3 mi. from Hondo Pass to Loop 375/Trans-mountain. Once complete, each side of U.S. 54 in those limits will
After the removal of the two-lane existing overhead sign bridge, new overhead sign bridges will be taking its place, spanning across all six lanes of traffic.
Eakin Industries LLC Earthmover Parts and Components.
have an added lane, high mast illumination and turnarounds at Hondo Pass Avenue, Diana Drive and at Loop 375 Trans-mountain. Work will be complete in March 2019. The project consists of the addition of two main lanes (one in each direction), bridge widening over Diana Drive, and the reversal of exit and entrance ramps. The reversal of exit and entrance ramps will allow for traffic to merge on the access roads instead of the main lanes. In addition to the intersection improvements at Hondo Pass Drive, Diana Drive and Loop 375, pedestrians and residents will also enjoy a 2-mi. shared-use path that will be constructed northbound from Hondo Pass to Transmountain. “One of the major challenges in this project is providing access to State Loop 375 during construction since the two main lane ramps that provide direct access to the State Loop get reconfigured during this project,” said Armando Ramirez, TxDOT engineer. “State Loop 375 provides an alternate route for IH-10 that is under major construction through several parts of the city and Loop 375 provides alternate route to commercial traffic as well as commute and local traffic.” Dan Williams Construction (DWCo), headquartered in Austin, is prime contractor, performing demoli-
Austin Hopes to Solve Traffic Woes By Lori Tobias CEG CORRESPONDENT
For some time, Austin, Texas, has been ranked as one of the more popular cities in the United States, consistently showing up on Top 10 lists of best places to live, play and work in. But if its current traffic problems aren’t addressed, its success could be its downfall. “Austin has one interstate,” said Todd Hemingson, executive director and vice president of planning for the Capital
see TXDOT page 12
Rebuilt Final Drives to Suit Cat Excavators Machines from 325 to 385
see CONNECT page 12
Do business locally! We are in Cleveland, TX 281-978-4351 Email: Damien@eakinindustries.com www.eakinindustries.com
Page 2 • August 19, 2018 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Equipment Operated Rentals (EOR)
OVERLOADED & NEED TO CATCH UP? Volvo A40G Articulated Truck & Self Loading K-tec 37 cyd Scraper with Operator
No need to hire personnel 7UDLQHG FHUWL¿HG TXDOLW\ RSHUDWRUV z 0D[ SURGXFWLRQ IURP VWDUW z F\G DQG F\G VFUDSHUV DYDLODEOH z 2SWLRQ WR SXOO GRXEOH WUDLQV WRWDOLQJ F\GV 281.677-4544/info@romco.com
Providing Design, Installation and Service for your
Crushing, Screening, Drilling and Washing Needs MOBILE & STATIONARY EQUIPMENT
z z
PAVING TEXAS Concrete & Asphalt Paving Equipment GOMACO - VOLVO - LEEBOY - BLAW KNOX - BEARCAT
Sales - Rentals - Parts - Service 214-819-4100 / 800-227-6626 www.romco.com
Sales - Rentals - Parts - Service 214-819-4101 / 800-227-6626 www.romco.com
YOUR HEAVY DUTY ADVAN7AGE Engine & Hammer Repair & Rebuild Services
ENGINE HAMMER
REBUILDS 210.569-7068 / 800.966-4601 www.romco.com
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 19, 2018 • Page 3
G+® is the Future in Concrete Paving Announcing Our New Distributor in Arizona
Commander IIIx
info@gomaco.com ❘ www.gomaco.com CONCRETE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS ❘ AIRPORT RUNWAYS ❘ CURB AND GUTTER ❘ SIDEWALKS RECREATIONAL TRAILS ❘ SAFETY BARRIER ❘ BRIDGE PARAPET ❘ BRIDGE DECKS ❘ IRRIGATION CANALS GOMACO CORPORATION IN IDA GROVE, IOWA, USA ❘ 712-364-3347
ROMCO Equipment Co.
Sierra Machinery, Inc.
www.romco.com
www.sierraelpaso.com
Buffalo, TX 903-322-5602
Ft. Worth, TX 817-626-2288
Carrollton, TX 214-819-4100
Houston, TX 713-937-3005
Longview, TX 903-758-5576
939 Hawkins Boulevard El Paso, TX 79915 915-772-0613
Closner Equipment Company Inc. www.closner.com San Antonio Main Branch 21910 FM 2252 Schertz, TX 78154 210-732-2131
Austin Branch 13800 FM 973 N Manor, TX 78653 512-272-8200
Page 4 • August 19, 2018 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Venture Drilling Supply Branches Out Following Tragedy By Craig Mongeau
nered with contractors on some high profile jobs in the Austin area and has teamed with A&R Demolition on the I-35 corridor job and introduced the contractor to the Combi-Cutter CC3300, which pulverizes concrete and rebar. Contractors like working with Venture. “We know what it is like to be a contractor,” Colt said. “We think like contractors. We are passionate about what we do, and I believe the facility we have shows our commitment to the area. We are not just flopping a few machines out in the market. We are here to stay. Austin has been my home for 11 years now and my family does not plan on leaving.” The company recently added Yanmar excavators to its lineup, “which will bring us into entirely
CEG EDITOR IN CHIEF
Like all businesses, equipment dealerships face challenges, such as competition, economic and market changes, staffing issues, evolving technological advances and more. Sometimes, though, the challenges are of a more personal nature. Such was the case when Wayne McCarthy, founder of Venture Drilling and Venture Drilling Supply, died in a late-model stock car wreck in Bolivar, Mo., at age 42. Colt McCarthy, Wayne’s son and president of Venture Drilling, recalled how everyone at the company banded together to overcome that extremely difficult time. “We had a lot of loyal people, including employees and family, that stepped up to help my mom (Michelle McCarthy) operate the company,” he said. “Her three children were too young to be of much help at the time.” Venture recovered from this tragedy and today has grown from its humble roots in Tahlequah, Okla., to a three location supplier of construction and drilling equipment and supplies. The Tahlequah, Okla., and Midland, Texas, branches focus on the drilling industry, while the Austin (Pflugerville), Texas, location also sells the Doosan and Yanmar line of construction equipment. The company grew steadily under Michelle in the years after the tragedy, helped in part by the oil and gas boom of the late 1990s, according to McCarthy. Venture became the Ingersoll Rand drilling distributor for Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri during this time. When Colt graduated from college in 2006, he immediately started working in the rock quarries. “I always had more of an interest in the business from the contractor’s side of things than from the sales end,” he recalled. Shortly after that, Atlas Copco approached the company about acquiring Rock Drilling Supply, a drilling supply dealer just outside of Austin, Texas. One requirement, however, was that a principal needed to reside in the market, so Colt decided to move to Austin in 2007 and launched the new Venture branch in nearby Georgetown.
Venture has exclusive rights for the Doosan line in approximately an 80-mi. radius around Austin and handles the Epiroc line of hydraulic attachments for much of Texas. In photo, Venture family members include Michele McCarthy (6th from L), executive manager; Colt McCarthy (7th from L), president; Abigail McCarthy (8th from L); and Daphne McCarthy (9th from L).
As part of Venture’s agreement with Doosan, Colt agreed to move the dealership closer to Austin and found the property in Pflugerville on “equipment row.”
Venture took delivery of its first Doosan machines in 2014.
“We weathered the recession and started to do very well in 2011 and 2012,” he said. “By then, we had good employees in place and saw an opportunity to expand to other markets and got into the construction equipment field with the Doosan line. Drills are not that different from heavy equipment in terms of service. We had the mechanics in place, so it was a natural fit. We started looking around for a line of equipment in 2013. We felt getting into the construction world would help to shield the company from future oil downturns.”
Venture took delivery of its first Doosan machines in 2014. But why Doosan? “We handled Doosan air compressors after they bought Ingersoll Rand,” he said. “We were impressed with the company and the quality of its products. We first saw their equipment line at ConExpo in 2011. We inquired then about being a dealership. We knew we had the room and the service know how.” As part of Venture’s agreement with Doosan, Colt agreed to move the dealership closer to Austin and found the property in Pflugerville
Quarry customers are great prospects for wheel loaders and excavators.
on “equipment row.” The company moved into the new facility in June 2017. Venture has exclusive rights for the Doosan line in approximately an 80-mi. radius around Austin and handles the Epiroc line of hydraulic attachments for much of Texas. Quarry customers are prospects for wheel loaders and excavators. In a short time, Venture has part-
new markets for compact equipment,” Colt said. “Yanmar is a fantastic machine with one of the lowest warranty work rates in the industry.” For more information, visit https://venturedrillingsupply.com/. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.) CEG
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 19, 2018 • Page 5
EQUIPMENT THAT STANDS UP. SERVICE THAT STANDS OUT.
1-866-898-3763
|
Alamo Amarillo Corpus Christi Cypress (Houston) vermeertexas.com
Denham Springs Irving (Dallas/Fort Worth) Kilgore Lubbock
Midland/Odessa Ross (Waco) Round Rock (Austin) Selma (San Antonio)
Page 6 • August 19, 2018 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Officials Confirm Hyperloop as Technology Option On July 11, the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Transportation Council (RTC) announced that it will explore hyperloop technology for two major transportation initiatives across the state. This announcement follows a recent visit to Virgin Hyperloop One’s full-scale test track in the Nevada Desert, where the delegation examined the next-generation technology firsthand, and met with engineers at the company’s Innovation Campus in Los Angeles. Hyperloop is a new mode of transportation that allows vehicles to travel at very high speeds with minimal aerodynamic resistance by operating in a low-pressure environment utilizing next-generation magnetic levitation technology. “The RTC is all about bringing innovation to the transportation system in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and hyperloop would be an exciting technology to add,” said Gary Fickes, Tarrant County commissioner and chair of the Regional Transportation Council. “I think the future’s very bright for hyperloop and its use in the DallasFort Worth region.” “The Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Transportation Council has proven itself as forward-thinking agency that wants to give its region a competitive edge by leveraging next-generation technology,” said Rob Lloyd, CEO of
The delegation examined the next-generation technology firsthand, and met with engineers at the company’s Innovation Campus in Los Angeles.
Virgin Hyperloop One. “Virgin Hyperloop One is excited to pursue these projects, which would transform what are now separate metropolitan areas into one economic megaregion connected by high speed transport.” Dallas, Arlington and Fort Worth Environmental Impact Statement Later this year, the RTC will issue a Request for Proposals for a consultant team to complete the Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a high-speed corridor connecting Dallas,
Later this year, the RTC will issue a Request for Proposals for a consultant team to complete the Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a high-speed corridor connecting Dallas, Arlington and Fort Worth.
Arlington and Fort Worth. The RTC wants to consider both hyperloop technology and traditional high-speed rail in the environmental study of the route. A preliminary analysis by Virgin Hyperloop One engineers estimated a sixminute hyperloop trip between Dallas and Ft. Worth. “As our region grows from 7.2 million people now up to 11.2 million by 2045, we are planning a transportation system that offers choices to our residents. Adding an option like hyperloop to the existing system of roadways, rail transit, bicycle/pedestrian facilities and
high-speed rail to Houston would expand the system in an exciting way,” said Michael Morris, P.E., director of transportation of the North Central Texas Council of Governments. “Connecting other regions in Texas through hyperloop would open up economic opportunities throughout the state.” Fort Worth - Waco Temple-Killeen - Austin San Antonio - Laredo Feasibility Study In addition, the RTC has provided funding and has obtained addi-
tional funding commitments to undertake a conceptual feasibility study of high-speed technology including hyperloop to connect Fort Worth, Waco, TempleKilleen, Austin, San Antonio and Laredo. This corridor will be requested to move into a more detailed Tier 2 EIS following the feasibility study. For more information, visit nctcog.org and www.hyperloopone.com. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)
On July 11, the Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Transportation Council (RTC) announced that it will explore hyperloop technology for two major transportation initiatives across the state following a visit to Virgin Hyperloop One’s full-scale test track in the Nevada Desert.
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 19, 2018 • Page 7
We offer a cost-effective alternative to the purchase of new equipment. Our high quality used equipment has been inspected, repaired if needed and brought back to new equipment
specifications by our factory trained technicians. We specialize in the Rental and Sale of loaders, dozers, excavators, graders, haul trucks with a special emphasis on water equipment.
Over 100 Work-Ready Machines in Inventory
RENTALS
SALES
Page 8 • August 19, 2018 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Maximum Reliability and pr roductivity
Great Deals on Used, Refurbished & Repowered Pumps Finish Faster with Holland Pump!
• 102 hp TTurbo-charged urbo-charged • Perkins TTier ier 4 Final engine • 1 .5 yd3 bucket capacity • Spacious climate controlled cab • 16’ 8� hinge pin height telescopic arm • Articulated forr operation in tight spaces • Class leading travel speed up to 2 24.9 4.9 mph
:/ 7 as low as
2..99% Financing for o 48 months on Wheel h Loaders* s
2য় 2য়HU JRRG WK WKUX UX -X -XQH 0R 0R 0R 0R 0R 0R &D &DOO IR IRU IX IXOO OO GH GHWD WDLOV
Call Mickey O’Neill 405.590.4929 C
wyliesprayers.com
Holland Pump manufactures, sells, rents, repairs and services pumps for a wide range of applications with capacities from 500-150,000 GPM. Used Pumps: https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/ used-equipment/holland-pump/pumps/ or contact Brian Simmons, Gulf Coast Pump Consultant, 903-424-3751
Abilene Lubbock Corrpus pus Christi Oklahoma City
Lamesa Munday Seminole Plainview
Ft. Myers, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Orlando, Tampa, Walterboro, West Palm Beach
&XVWRPHU 6HUYLFH ‡ ZZZ KROODQGSXPS FRP
18-009R0 18 009R0
CLEAR THE W WA AY Phillips 66 Selects S&B for NGL Fractionation Project
FROM OUR SIGNA ATURE TURE BULL HOGÂŽ, TO T TRACKED CARRIERS, TO FORESTRY A ATT TT TACHMENT ACHMENTS, TS, WE HA AVE VE A RUGGED, DURABLE PRODUCT FOR EVERY AP PPLICA ATION. TION. BUILLTT BRUTTALL ALLLY TOUGH AND OPERA ATOR-FRIENDL TOR-FRIENDLLY, SO YOU CAN CLEAR THE WA WAY TO A JOB WELL DO DONE. NE.
800 528 3113 800.528.3113
fecon.com
S & B Engineers and Constructors Ltd. (S project team using S & B’s industry-leading & B) announced that it was selected by project management system (iPIMS) and Phillips 66 to perform engineering, procure- innovative advanced work packaging ment and construction for two NGL fraction- process (IPP). This execution approach will ation plants at the client’s Sweeny Hub in ensure the project delivery is consistent with Old Ocean, Texas. The plants will have a S & B’s uncompromising commitment to combined capacity of 300,000 barrels per day (BPD) and will be based on S & B’s proven fractionation “This contract represents the twelfth plant design. “This contract represents fractionation plant awarded to the twelfth fractionation S & B in the last five years.� plant awarded to S & B in the last five years,� said James Brookshire, CEO of S James Brookshire & B. “With more than 1.3 S & B Engineers and Constructors Ltd. million BPD of fractionation capacity successfully designed and constructed across the country, and another 900,000 safety and quality. BPD of capacity currently in progress, S & For more information, visit B continues to be the go-to contractor for www.sbec.com. NGL fractionation projects in the United (This story also can be found on States.� Construction Equipment Guide’s website at The work will be executed by a proven www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 19, 2018 • Page 9
Lowboys That Load Front & Rear... The Ultimate In Versatility!
%H SUHSDUHG IRU DQ\ ORDGLQJ VLWXDWLRQ ZLWK RXU GSL/BR VHULHV RI ORZER\V
35 GSL/BR
‡ &$3$&,7< OEV
35 Ton Detachable Gooseneck Wetline, Dual Axle Single Point Suspension, W/Beavertail and Ramp (Optional Air Ride)
50 GSL/BR
‡ &$3$&,7< OEV
50 Ton Detachable Gooseneck, Three Axle Air Ride, W/Beavertail and Ramp
Lowest Loading Angle Available!
35 GSL/PT ‡ &$3$&,7< OEV
35 Ton Detachable Gooseneck Wetline, Dual Axle Air Ride Suspension, with 4' Rear Riser, Wheel Covers,Taper Beam Design
50 GSL/PT Lowest Loading Angle Available
‡ &$3$&,7< OEV
50 Ton Detachable Gooseneck Wetline, Tri Axle Air Ride Suspension, with 4' Rear Riser, Wheel Covers, Taper Beam Design
70
th
ANNIVERSARY Visit our web site at EagerBeaverTrailers.com and you're a "click" away from getting all the information you need from our nearest dealer, or call 1-800-257-8163
1946-2016 >> EagerBeaverTrailers.com
Page 10 • August 19, 2018 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Port of Corpus Christi...
Crews Discover Cave Beneath Round Bond Sale Yields Rock High School Construction Site $216.2M for Ship Channel Project Emily Buenzle
CEG WEB EDITOR
Workers performing water line utility work discovered a cave beneath a high school in Texas’ Round Rock Independent School District last month. The school district named the discovery “cave No. 19” — this isn’t the first cave that’s been discovered in the area — and said that this one is the largest to date, KXAN reported. “There is an extensive cave system underneath the school, which was built in the 1980s, but 19 have been found during construction,” said Round Rock ISD’s Jenny Caputo. Crews renovating McNeil High School had to deal with construction delays after caves, some containing endangered spiders, were found west of the campus. To keep working, the school district had to forge an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, KXAN reported.
Port of Corpus Christi photo
The Port of Corpus Christi sold $216.2 million of Senior Lien Revenue Bonds to be used for both the deepening and widening of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, as well as upcoming capital projects within the Port.
On July 24, 2018, the Port of Corpus Christi successfully priced and sold $216.2 million of Senior Lien Revenue Bonds. These bonds will be used for both the deepening and widening of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel as well as upcoming capital projects within the Port. Wells Fargo Securities acted as Lead Manager of a syndicate of underwriters including JP Morgan, Citigroup, and Frost Bank. “We are pleased with the level of interest the institutional investment community demonstrated for both series of our bonds,” said Sean Strawbridge, CEO of the Port of Corpus Christi. “This round of funding will help the Port of Corpus Christi further progress our ambitious yet achievable capital investment program designed to increase exports of U.S.produced energy to our allies and trading partners around the world.” San Patricio County Port Commissioner Wes Hoskins, chairman of the Port Commission’s Capital Finance Committee, which advocated strongly for the capital raise, joined Strawbridge in New York for the sale. The Port’s Senior Lien Revenue Bond 2018 Series pricing follows strong ratings reiterations received from both Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings. Moody’s assigned an A1 Rating to the Port’s newly issued debt, while upgrading the Port’s existing debt from A1 to Aa3. S&P assigned a rating of A+ to the Port’s newly issued debt, while reaffirming the same rating for the existing debt. For more information, visit http://www.portcorpuschristi.com/. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)
Following Protocol According to Terry Worcester, the school district’s CEO, Round Rock ISD has been working with engineers and environmentalists to check the caves for safety and map out what may need to be done to make them safer. “There’s a protocol for all of those findings and we follow those very, very closely,” said Worcester. Staff from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCQ) went on site to look at the cave and talk with construction crews, said Brian McGovern of TCQ’s media relations department. According to McGovern, the school sits over the Recharge Zone of the Edwards Aquifier, and therefore must comply with requirements related to features like the caves discovered during any construction activity,
The school district named the discovery “cave No. 19” — this isn’t the first cave that’s been discovered in the area — and said that this one is the largest to date.
KXAN reported. The rules state that: “Regulated activity in the vicinity of the feature must be suspended. Regulated activity may not proceed until the agency has reviewed a geologic assessment report prepared by the responsible party’s geologist, and approved methods proposed by a Texas licensed professional engineer to protect the sensitive feature and the aquifer from adverse impacts.” Worcester said that the school district has no idea how much the caves will add to the projects’ price tag, but construction will continue, with Phase I expected to be complete in November 2018, KXAN reported. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)
Magellan Expands Its Western Leg of Petroleum Products Pipeline System Magellan Midstream Partners L.P. announced on July 30 an additional expansion of the western leg of its refined petroleum products pipeline system in Texas. Magellan had previously announced its plans to expand the capacity of this line segment to approximately 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) from its current capacity of 100,000 bpd. Based on additional committed volume received as part of its recent supplemental open season, the partnership now plans to expand this pipe capacity to 175,000 bpd. The expanded capacity will handle incremental shipments of gasoline and diesel fuel to demand centers in Abilene, Midland/Odessa and El Paso, Texas, and New Mexico. The pipeline system also can access markets in Arizona and Mexico via connections
to other pipelines. Supported by long-term customer commitments, the expansion will be accomplished by a combination of increased pipeline diameter along the partnership’s existing route and construction of 140 mi. of new pipe from Hearne to Alexander, Texas. Connectivity to the ExxonMobil Pipeline Company’s terminal in Wink, Texas, also will be added as part of the expansion. “Magellan’s expansion of our refined products pipeline system into West Texas provides our customers with continued flexibility to meet growing demand for gasoline and diesel fuel in the region with supply from our Gulf Coast and MidContinent origins,” said Michael Mears, chief executive officer. “Further, construction of the new
pipeline segment between Hearne and Alexander has the strategic advantage of providing additional capacity along our extensive pipeline network to satisfy strong demand for refined products destined for the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.” Magellan now expects to spend approximately $500 million on this project, with the expanded capacity available mid-2020, subject to receipt of all permits and approvals. Construction of new refined products terminals in both Midland and the Delaware Basin remain under review. For more information, visit magellanlp.com. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 19, 2018 • Page 11
Page 12 • August 19, 2018 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
TxDOT Project Adds Lanes, Turnarounds to U.S. 54 TXDOT from page 1
tion, roadway, bridge structures, hydraulics and traffic control work. Antigo Construction was brought in to rubblize and break the existing concrete shoulder and ramps. Antigo used its specialized Badger Breaker rubbling equipment to perform the concrete demolition, which TxDOT deemed to be faster and more efficient than traditional concrete break/removal methods. Funding for the upgrades has come from Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program (CMAQ) and Metropolitan Mobility and Rehabilitation funds, with a 20 percent match of state funds. “Currently six out of the eight reconfigured access and exit ramps are closed for construction, so drivers have to drive a little extra to take an on ramp or exit before and drive thru a signalized intersection to go to their destinations,” noted Ramirez. “There’s a programmed closure of one of the intersections in the project, we anticipate minimum disruption to the traveling public since we are providing a detour at the next intersection thru a turnaround.” The Diana underpass on Northeast El Paso was scheduled to close for at least 10 weeks. During this time, construction crews have been widening the bridge at that location. While drivers are instructed to follow detours and expect a temporary U-turn at Hondo Pass, construction crews are mitigating detours and delays to minimize traffic impact. Less than a mile from U.S. 54 is the Franklin Mountains State Park, a 27,000-acre space for hiking, biking and rock climbing. The Park will open a new $3.5 million visitor center this year. U.S. 54 also provides access to Fort Bliss, the U.S. Army base headquartered in El Paso. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.) CEG
Crews tear out old rip rap in preparation for the new turn-around lanes at Diana Drive and U.S. 54.
‘Project Connect’ — Making Travel in Austin Smoother CONNECT from page 1
Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “And it’s clogged 24/7. People say, ‘We don’t leave the house between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.’ If you live in the ‘burbs, that makes it more difficult.” But Capital Metro, along with regional, city and state partners, has been working to do something about that. They call it Project Connect. “It is a vision for the future that is looking to do a whole lot of things with the overarching focus of improving the quality of life and livability in central Texas,” Hemingson said. “The single largest factor is that we’ve consistently been one of the faster, if not the fastest growing, metro areas in the U.S. for more than a decade. We’ve consistently seen that there is no way that the traditional approach to accommodate more and more automobiles is working. “We can’t continue to be the economically sustainable city we’ve been if we don’t do something different. There are affordability issues. People getting priced out of the city. They are forced to move farther out from the urban core. This takes them away from pub-
lic transit and increases their transportation costs. “There are issues of equity, concern about the haves and the have nots. People see an important role for public transportation. It’s a very cost-effective way for people to move about.” Just how bad is traffic in the central Texas area? According to a Project Connect video: • More than 1 million trips are made into central Austin daily; • More than 1 million trips take place daily within the same area; • In one year, drivers in Central Texas lost 51 million hours due to congestion, or spent the equivalent of seven days stuck in traffic; and • Businesses and residents lost $1 billion due to delays. Project Connect has identified numerous possible improvements to be implemented over the coming decades years at an estimated cost of $6 to 8 billion. “As we talk about plans, we point out that it’s a multi-generation investment,” Hemingson said. “We’re not saying we need that much money in 2020. It’s phased in over 15-20 years. If you look at other cities that
we are in economic competition with, Seattle being one of them, they recently approved $54 billion for transit. L.A. approved more than $100 billion. We have big problems and we need big solutions.” The regionally focused plan offers several remedies, such as new park and ride lots and new express services. “The biggest single component would be 11 new high capacity transit corridors,” Hemingson said. “Most of those we already run some sort of service in today, but it would be upgrading to transit in designated right-of-ways. That’s one of the most important features of the entire plan. “We believe to make transit useful, convenient and attractive we need to get public transit vehicles out of traffic. We need to get them out of traffic and not stuck so people will use public transit and more people will switch over. We want to dramatically expand those so each of these 11 corridors would have designated right-of-ways. They have their space where they can move without delays. Bus lanes, light rail in some cases, is a possibility. We will look at where right- ofway is so constrained, we might look might look above or below.”
One improvement already under way is a major overhaul of the bus system. That will hopefully increase the numbers of riders using the buses, Hemingson said. “Unlike many other transit systems in the country, we are having challenges with our ridership. Not enough people take public transit. One of our big challenges is subsidized or completely paid parking. We tell developers if you are going to build tons of free parking, people are going to drive.” The Project Connect effort has sought public involvement from the beginning. That involvement has helped shape the plan, ensured that it was inclusive and a solid plan the public would support, Hemingson said. “The question is how are we going to fund it? It’s a comprehensive approach — make it easier to walk, bike, share a ride and use transit. We tried to cater to the automobile but it’s not working anymore. We really have to do something different. We’re trying to build the support that ultimately seek the funding to make that happen.” (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.) CEG
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 19, 2018 • Page 13
DĐ ŽƵƌƚ Θ ^ŽŶƐ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͕ /ŶĐ͛͘Ɛ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ Crushing, Scr S eening, Co C nveying, Wash hing and Recyclling equipment for th following ap a plications: Aggregates and Mineral Processing, Sa S nd & Gravel, Concrete Recycle, Washing, Highway Contractors, Organics ʹ Compost, Topsoil, Mulch h, Landfill Mining, Environ nmental Cleanup, Specialized and Industrial Sands, and Energy ʹ Oil, Wind.
Page 14 • August 19, 2018 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
DOT Provides $180M in Grants to DFW International Airport
NEXT ISSUE CLOSES SEPTEMBER 6, 2018
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced that the FAA will provide $180 million in infrastructure grants for the construction of two major taxiway complexes at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Under the terms of a Letter of Intent, the first to be issued since 2011, the airport may proceed with the project immediately and be reimbursed for the federal share in a series of grants over the next several years. “This investment in two new taxiways at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport will help ensure more efficient movement of travelers and commercial goods through the fourth busiest airport in our nation,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao. The new perimeter taxiways will enable aircraft to reach their gates without waiting to cross other runways during busy periods. Dallas-Forth Worth International is the country’s fourth-busiest airport. Last year the airport accommodated more than 650,000 takeoffs and landings carrying an estimated 67 million passengers. The money for the construction work at DFW will come from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which supports the construction of infrastructure at more than 3,000 airports of all sizes throughout the United States, including new and reconstructed runways, taxiways and other critical airfield infrastructure, as well as safety equipment. The FAA is providing $135 million in discretionary funds, plus another $45 million in entitlement funds. The total cost of the projects is estimated to be $278 million, of which 65 percent will be funded through AIP grants. The new taxiways will be built on the northeast and southwest ends of the airport’s runway complexes. An existing perimeter taxiway is located on the southeast side of the airport and is used daily during the busiest traffic periods to keep the airfield running smoothly. Work on the new taxiway on the airport’s northeast side is expected to begin in 2019, with construction of the remaining taxiway expected in 2021. The nation’s infrastructure — especially its system of 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways — is essential to the United States’ economic competitiveness and the traveling public’s quality of life. According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. About AIP The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) airport grant program funds airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting and airport markings. The grants strengthen our nation’s aviation infrastructure. Airports are entitled to a certain amount of AIP funding each year, based on passenger volume. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, then the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 19, 2018 • Page 15
DOES YOUR BREAKER NEED ATTENTION? Before
& After 2924 West Division, Suite B4 Arlington, TX 76012 (817) 460-0550
www.hammersetc.com
Service is our Specialty
Se Habla Español
• Quality repairs and rebuilds on hydraulic hammers/breakers for construction and demolition contractors.
• Parts and tools bits for almost any hydraulic hammer/breaker
• Work with contractors and companies • 90-day warranty • Certified dealers of all over the United States and Mexico on workmanship Montabert/Tramac
REBUILT BREAKERS FOR SALE
Montbert Dx170 4,000 ft/lb impact class for an excavator $13,000
FRD Kent F70 10,000 ft/lb impact class for an excavator $45,000
FRD Kent F19 3,000 ft/lb impact class for an excavator $14,000
FRD Kent F27 5,000 ft/lb impact class for an excavator $16,000
NPK E225 12,000 ft/lb impact class for an excavator $37,000
Page 16 • August 19, 2018 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
True Power. At Bane Machinery, we offer Liebherr machines that are custom-engineered to perform efficiently. And we stand behind them with full service. Count on us for original parts, factorytrained technicians, and an extensive inventory of machines for your toughest jobs. We can also service your equipment to OEM standards in the shop or the field. We haven’t compromised on anything; why should you?
www.banemachinery.com
DALLAS 2449 Manana Dr. Dallas, TX 75220 Ph: (214) 734-2361
FORT WORTH 10505 North Freeway Fort Worth, TX 76177 Ph: (817) 847-5894
TYLER 3402 N. NE Loop 323 Tyler, TX 75712 Ph: (903) 597-6641