Texas 7, April 7, 2024

‘Key Corridor’ Project Creates City Connection Points

By Irwin Rapoport

The Texas Transportation Commission’s (TTC) latest report on the state’s multi-billion dollar Statewide and Rural Connectivity Program (SRCP) illustrated the progress being made by contractors working for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to expand the highway network across the state. This vital work will ensure that the system is modernized and able to reduce congestion and improve safety on its roads and bridges in order to meet the needs of a growing population.

“TxDOT has committed to enhancing safety on Texas roads, investing billions of dollars in safety improvements through the Unified Transportation Program [UTP],” TxDOT media relations director Adam Hammons said.

UTP funding for the corridors of interest is considerable. It has provided $522 million for nine projects (64 mi.) under construction and $449 million for 38 projects (375 mi.) of partially funded projects valued at $7,568,000,000. An additional $10 million was allocated for one project (1 mi.) fully funded by the UTP this year.

Dollars at Work

To address safety hot spots in the corridors, $1.1 billion for 113.8 mi. has been identified to upgrade key corridors to four-lane divided roads. Four of those projects include:

• U.S. 87 & U.S. 83;

• U.S. 69 & U.S. 175;

• U.S. 59;

• U.S. 281.

Caroline Mays, TxDOT’s director of planning and modal programs, pointed out that going from two-lane to four-lane divided leads to a 60 percent decrease in fatality rates and transitioning from four-lane undivided to four-lane divided has led to a 41 decrease in fatality rates. So far, considerable progress has been made or is in the works.

see CORRIDOR page 8

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Uvalde Receives $1M Donation, Construction Under Way

Construction is under way on a new Uvalde elementary school in the aftermath of the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School.

A ground breaking event was held in October 2023, however, ongoing construction was delayed so that the Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation could consider all contractor bids. The foundation eventually selected San Antonio-based Satterfield & Pontikes, which has developed buildings for both universities and public schools.

“It’s humbling that you’re taking on something that carries so much weight,” said John Marshall, chief revenue officer of Satterfield & Pontikes, at the event. “When it can help with the healing and the bringing together of a community that’s been through what this community has, it’s really special.”

Construction of the still-unnamed new school is expected to cost at least $51 million. Officials are touting vast security upgrades, including nine-ft.-tall gates, keyless entry points and an access road that makes it specifically easier for first responders to get to the school. It also will have an air-conditioned gym and two playgrounds, including one for children with special needs.

Construction officially began March 4, according to the foundation.

“The significance of the school is to help the community here in Uvalde to move forward from the tragedy — to build

healing, to build hope and to have a school here on this site that will be here for decades to come,” said Tim Miller, executive director of the Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation.

Donation

The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation announced a $1 million gift from John L. Nau III and Silver Eagle Beverages on March 26. All of the funds go directly toward building a new elementary school in the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (Uvalde CISD) following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School.

“I am proud to support this effort to build a new school in Uvalde,” said John L. Nau III, chairman/CEO of Silver Eagle Beverages. “As a business member of the Uvalde community, Silver Eagle Beverages is proud to support this important effort that impacts our local employees and their families and the many children and families of Uvalde.”

The check presentation happened at the construction site of the new elementary school where construction began. Representatives from Silver Eagle Beverages, Satterfield & Pontikes Construction and Congressman Tony Gonzales’ office joined the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation for the presentation.

“We are greatly humbled by the support from Mr. Nau and Silver Eagle Beverages,” said Miller. “Their support demonstrates their true care for Texas and Texans.”

Construction of the new elementary school in Uvalde CISD broke ground during a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the site of the new school. To date, the Foundation has raised 68 percent of the funds needed to build the new school. Donations are still needed; people interested in donating can still do so at the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation website: uvaldecisdmovingforward.org/donatenow.

According to reports, approximately $20 million is still needed to “fully fund the construction of the new school.” Construction on the school, which will replace Robb Elementary, is expected to take 18 months.

Nineteen students and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary when a gunman came onto campus in May 2022.

About Uvalde Moving Foward Foundation

The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation was created in the wake of the tragedy at Robb Elementary School through gifts from grocery chain, H-E-B, and the Butt family totaling $10 million. Huckabee Inc. donated its services, becoming a founding partner. Beginning in fall 2022, the Foundation began working with the Uvalde CISD Community Advisory Committee to develop the plans for the new elementary school. Those plans were approved by the Uvalde CISD Board of Trustees in April 2023. 

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction photo

The Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation recently announced it received a $1 million donation as construction for a new Uvalde elementary school has started.

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction photo

San Antonio-based Satterfield & Pontikes was selected as the general contractor for the project, which has developed buildings for both universities and public schools.

Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation photo

Construction of the new facility is expected to take 18 months.

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Texas LNG Project Moves Toward Its Execution Phase

Texas LNG Brownsville LLC (“Texas LNG”), a four million tonnes per annum liquefied natural gasn export terminal to be constructed in the Port of Brownsville, Texas, a subsidiary of Glenfarne Energy Transition LLC (Glenfarne), has signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with Gunvor Group through its subsidiary Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd for a 20year LNG FOB sale and purchase agreement for 0.5 MTPA of LNG from Texas LNG.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Gunvor to our portfolio of customers, connecting Texas LNG, one of the lowest-emitting liquefaction facilities in the world, with global economies in need of reliable, sustainable energy,” said Brendan Duval, CEO/ founder of Glenfarne Energy Transition and co-president of Texas LNG.

“With the previously announced commencement of the execution phase of the project financing process, this agreement aligns with our plan to take a final investment decision on Texas LNG this year,” said Vlad Bluzer, co-president of Texas LNG.

“We are pleased to have executed this agreement and become one of the foundation buyers of the Texas LNG project. Gunvor continues to support US LNG export projects, unlocking new supplies for the global energy market and providing energy security especially to our customers in Europe and Asia” said Kalpesh Patel, Co-Head of LNG Trading of Gunvor.

The recent news follows Texas LNG’s recently announced LNG tolling agreement with EQT Corporation (EQT). Texas LNG also recently announced partnerships with Baker Hughes, ABB and Gulf LNG Tugs of Texas. These partnerships total nearly one billion dollars of investment into the project.

Glenfarne Energy Transition, a developer, owner and operator of energy transition infrastructure, is the majority owner and managing member of Texas LNG. Texas LNG will achieve financial close and begin construction in 2024 commencing commercial operations in 2028. Glenfarne Energy Transition is also the sole owner and developer of the 8.8 MTPA Magnolia LNG in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

About Texas LNG

Texas LNG is a 4 MTPA LNG export facility to be constructed in the Port of Brownsville and a subsidiary of global energy transition leader, Glenfarne Energy Transition LLC. Texas LNG is led by an experienced team committed to creating one of the cleanest, lowest emitting LNG export facilities in the world through electric motor drives. For more information, visit www.texaslng.com

About Glenfarne Energy Transition LLC

Glenfarne Energy Transition is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glenfarne Group, a privately held energy and infrastructure development and management firm based in New York City and Houston, with offices in Dallas; Panama City, Panama; Santiago, Chile; Bogota, Colombia; Barcelona, Spain; and Seoul, South Korea. Glenfarne Energy Transition aims to address the “here and now” global energy transition

through three core businesses: Global LNG Solutions, Renewables, and Grid Stability. For more information, visit www.GlenfarneEnergyTransition.com

About Gunvor Group

Gunvor is one of the world’s largest independent commodities trading houses by turnover, creating logistics solutions that safely and efficiently move physical energy from where it is sourced and stored to where it is demanded most. Gunvor has strategic investments in industrial infrastructure — refineries, pipelines, storage and terminals — that complement its core trading activity and generate sustainable value across the global supply chain for our customers. The company, which in 2022 generated U.S. $150 billion in revenue on 165 million MT of volumes, is the leading independent global trader of liquefied natural gas (LNG). 

Closner Equipment Adds Thunder Creek Product Line

Thunder Creek Equipment has been added to the Closner Equipment Co. Inc. lineup of new equipment as part of the dealer’s dedicated offering to the asphalt paving and concrete industries in Texas.

Closner serves Texas from San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Austin with a full line of asphalt paving and concrete solutions including asphalt paving equipment, stabilization solutions compaction equipment and more.

Thunder Creek designs and manufactures innovative, premium fueling and preventative maintenance solutions that are used in a variety of industries including construction, roadbuilding, oil and gas, and utility construction. This includes the original, industry-leading, No-HAZMAT Fuel & Service Trailer (MTT), the Multi-Tank Oil Trailer (MTO) and Service and Lube Trailer (SLT).

“Texas remains one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with continuing explosive population growth and the need for new critical infrastructure

every day,” said Larry Lea, vice president of sales, Thunder Creek Equipment.

“Closner Equipment has delivered superior roadbuilding and heavy civil solutions, service and rental equipment to the Texas market since 1946 — we’re honored to go to work side-by-side with them in helping to build the roads and highways of the great state of Texas.”

“We live in a world of high-horsepower equipment,” said JB Closner, president and chief operating officer, Closner. “That equipment requires reliable access to high-quality fuel, service and fleet management tools, and Thunder Creek delivers that in a variety of platforms that are built for heavy off-road work. Our partners will see the value in these solutions that are easy to use, can be towed by any member of the team, and that will help drive uptime every day.”

For more information, visit Closner.com and ThunderCreek.com. 

Texas LNG photo

Texas LNG has received expressions of interest from project finance banks to move to the execution phase of project financing.

Thunder Creek photo

Closner serves Texas from San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Austin with a full line of asphalt paving and concrete solutions including asphalt paving equipment, stabilization solutions compaction equipment and more.

Crews Utilize Texas Trunk System to Expand Highways

• U.S. 87 & U.S. 83 — Texas/New Mexico State Line to I-10, (448 mi.): 406 mi. have been completed and 21 mi. remain to be improved to four-lane divided roads.

• U.S. 69 & U.S. 175 — Beaumont to Dallas (246 mi.): 114 mi. have been completed, 33 mi. are under construction, 37 mi. to be constructed are fully funded and 20 mi. are partially and non-funded. According to the latest report, 42 mi. (17 percent) remain to be improved to four-lane divided.

• U.S. 59 — Laredo to Houston (252 mi.): 104 mi. have been completed and 82 mi. (33 percent) remain to be improved to a four-lane divided highway. To this point, 17 mi. of new construction have been fully funded and 49 mi. are partially and unfunded.

• U.S. 281 – San Antonio to I-20 (204 mi.): 17 mi. have been completed, 29 mi. are fully funded and 140 mi. are partially and unfunded. Eighteen miles (nine percent) remain to be improved to four-lane divided.

The SRCP began in 2018 and by 2019, these four key corridors were identified. Last year, U.S. 277 & U.S. 83 were added and the Statewide and Rural Connectivity Task Force became operational.

Serious progress has been made since then.

For the U.S. 277 & U.S. 83 – I-2 to I-10 (410 mi.) portion, 62 mi. have been completed, 13 mi. are under construction, 9 mi. are fully funded and 268 mi. are partially and unfunded. Forty-nine mi. (12 percent) remain to be improved.

Texas Trunk System

One of the key elements for these upgrades is the Texas Trunk System (TTS), a rural network of four-lane divided highways or better.

“It serves as a principal connector for Texas cities with over 20,000 population,” states the report, “and major activity centers, maritime ports and points of entry. The Trunk System is one of the few mechanisms that facilitates funding projects in rural areas of Texas.”

The TTS system was initiated in 1988 and by 1990, 10,500 mi. of road construction had been approved. In 1998, the system adjusted for urban area changes and 11 Phase 1 corridors had been identified, which were also recognized as a priority.

Of the 10,039 mi. of TTC’s rural interstates, Phase 1 road — and others — 5,150 mi. are four-lane or more divided, 3,520 mi. are two-lane undivided and 1,369 mi. are four-lane or more undivided. So far, the 5,150 mi. of four-lane-lane divided or higher, including rural interstate, have been completed.

Funding Background

“[We are] upgrading major statewide transportation corridors to provide safe, reliable, efficient travel to and from economic activity and population centers in Texas, while supporting the economic prosperity of all communities along the corridors and statewide,” stated the report. “[They] provide economic opportunity; connect population growth areas, freight movement, and international trade; serve as alternative routes to major corridors; address safety needs and challenges; [and help] to develop and program projects with Districts for the2025 UTP.”

Economically, the road infrastructure upgrade benefits economic activity centers such as major cities, ports, ports of entry (border facilities), and agricultural, oil and gas, and

from page 1 see CORRIDOR page 14

One of the key elements for these upgrades is the Texas Trunk System (TTS), a rural network of four-lane divided highways or better.

Last year, U.S. 277 & U.S. 83 were added and the Statewide and Rural Connectivity Task Force became operational.

TxDOT Making Effort to Hire Women, Bring in Diversity

By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is one of the largest and most funded DOTs in the nation and with annual budgets that are increasing on a regular basis as the state continues to invest in its highway network.

New construction and upgrading its existing infrastructure has led to more hiring and that includes a percentage of women.

TxDOT is looking to bring in solid talent from across the state and wants to bring in more women at all levels of the organization, including engineers, infrastructure designers, project managers, researchers, analysts, financial officers, surveyors and inspectors.

March 8th celebrated International Women’s Day and Valerie Alvarado, the district construction engineer of TxDOT’s Odessa District, sat down with Construction Equipment Guide for an exclusive Q&A.

Alvarado, now 28, has been with TxDOT for almost nine years. Born and raised in Odessa, a key center in oil and gas production, she was originally keen to pursue a career in the energy sector. However, various twists and turns placed her on the freeway leading to civil construction, with a focus on road and bridge and transportation construction.

It was in 2016 that Alvarado graduated from the University of Texas in the Permian Basin with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering. It was working for TxDOT as a summer intern and later doing part-time work for the DOT that sealed the deal. The planets, you can say, aligned. TxDOT was seeking talented professionals and simultaneously, looking to increase the number of women working at the expanding agency. Alvarado happened to be at the right place at the right time.

Now, TxDOT has a talented construction engineer who knows her stuff and the added bonus is that the Odessa native is able to serve the community she has always called home.

CEG: What led you to pursue engineering and in particular, mechanical engineering?

Alvarado: At Odessa High School I had a great physics teacher, Mr. Brant, (Physics A and B). Hands down the best teacher I ever had. I enjoyed learning about concepts that apply to our everyday life. He explained to me that physics is more than theoretical principles, while engineering applied those principles to real world problems. I did consider studying petroleum engineering due to the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin, but I wanted to have more industry options, so I chose mechanical.

CEG: Did anyone in your life or educational career have experience in construction or with general contractors?

Alvarado: Yes. I watched my father work in the oil and gas industry most of his life and he eventually built his own companies. My dad’s company consists of safety, construction and environmental work that caters to the oil and gas industry. He would take me to safety meetings, site visits and walk me through solutions they would develop when an issue arose.

CEG: Why did you decide to work for TxDOT? What role did you start in and have you changed roles since then?

Alvarado: I initially started with TxDOT to gain engineering experience while I finished my schooling. After my internship, I was sold. I saw many career and development opportunities here, especially for a young engineer. When I graduated, I started as an engineering assistant, working on design projects and preparing for professional licensure.

After I received my professional engineering license, I was promoted to district design engineer and served in that role for about four years. Then transitioned to my current role as construction engineer.

During my part-time internship, TxDOT asked me to join full time upon graduation. I enjoyed going out to the field to help with surveying and environmental activities. I also liked learning about the process for plan development/design. I was amazed at the amount of coordination required to get a project ready for bid.

I had many mentors at the beginning of my career, some of which I still look up to and get their thoughts on things, such as Gary Law, Robert Ornelas, Gabriel Ramirez and Ciro Baeza, just to name a few.

CEG: How would you describe your experiences and projects you’ve worked on at TxDOT?

Alvarado: In my career with TxDOT, I have encountered many rewarding experiences. You get exposed to several aspects in a project. Roadway, bridges, pavement materials/forensics and safety enhancements to name a few. The most rewarding part for me is seeing the safety benefit in our local community from our work. When I see an area that has experienced a high amount of crashes or congestion, for example, and we build a solution or save a life, that is very rewarding to me.

I have worked on several roadway rehabilitation projects,

safety improvements and bridge projects. I am most proud of the two grade separation bridges at SH 302/SH 115 and the railroad in Winkler County. This project was on a critical timeline to develop plans and acquiring Right of Way was not an option. There were several issues at this intersection due to the high skew and truck traffic. We developed this project on time for bid opening and the construction was completed ahead of schedule. It was a big team effort to work through the geometry, utility and schedule constraints.

It is very rewarding to drive on roads and bridges that I helped bring to life. We have a great team at the Odessa District. This team is always looking for innovative opportunities and adding value to our community. Safety is an “all hands on deck” approach at the department and it shows on the projects we deliver.

CEG: Do you feel accepted as a woman in a role/industry that is still male-dominated to a large extent? Do you work with other women in leadership roles within TxDOT?

Alvarado: I do feel accepted. I believe now more than ever, every industry is increasing their female presence, which is great to see. I also believe you should always have the most ownership in your career. If you take your career development into your hands and seek good mentors, the female/male ratio shouldn’t affect you in a negative way. I work alongside several women within TxDOT, which I am very thankful for.

CEG: Were there many other women studying engineering with you? What about teachers who were women?

Alvarado: The classroom was predominantly composed of men in school. All my teachers at the university were also men. Engineering is a team sport. UTPB did a good job of forming groups on special projects where we learned to collaborate with one another. In my new role in construction, I am learning more about the material testing, selection of pavements and construction strategies. I felt very welcomed by students and professors. Everyone valued my opinions and there was always someone I could go to for help.

CEG: What advice do you have for women considering engineering and careers in construction ?

Alvarado: My advice is to first find out what interests you, have a game plan, give yourself grace and be able to adapt to changes, then shoot for the stars. Finding a good mentor who you can bounce ideas and questions off of is good too.

I do serve as a mentor in our young engineering group. My current mentee is an engineering assistant, Alondra. She has several goals for herself within the department and is a great leader. I served a term for the Society of Women in Engineering chapter at the University of Texas Permian Basin as their industry representative, where I shared with students the career opportunities at TxDOT and the support we provide for FE and PE tests for professional licensure. There also are several UTPB alumni at TxDOT Odessa District and we attempt to attend as many career fairs as we can.

CEG: Looking back upon your time with TxDOT and the construction sector, what are some of the observations that stand out?

Alvarado: I believe it is important to hone in on careers/organizations that expose you to different areas of the industry. You don’t want to wind up developing yourself in only one thing. It is also important to build good relationships. This is a skill that definitely pays off in the long run.  CEG

(All photos courtesy of TxDOT.)

Valerie Alvarado

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Commission Identifies Vital Highway Expansion, Upgrades

CORRIDOR from page 8

lumber production areas. Communities along the corridors include small and medium-size cities outside urbanized areas that benefit from improved access to markets throughout the state.

Funding over the past five years from TxDOT’s UTP, the 10-year plan that guides the development of transportation work across the state, has been helpful. It has provided $136 million for six projects (16 mi.) that have been completed; $417 million for six projects (45 mi.) that are under construction; $1,537,000,000 for 15 projects (154 mi.) that are fully funded in the 2024 UTP; and $862 million for 45 projects (47 mi.) of partially funded projects valued at $6,166,000,000.

Statewide and Rural Connectivity corridors, according to Mays, support $25 billion annually in sales of agricultural products, a record $24.7 billion in taxes and royalties in 2022 via energy production, $41.6 billion in timber and lumber production, 70 percent of U.S./Mexico Trade ($520B of $780B) in 2022, 20 percent of U.S Maritime Trade in 2022 — $293B in exports and $153B in imports of International Maritime Trade, and in terms of national defense and security, Texas military bases added $67 billion to state’s GDP and generated more than 600K direct and indirect jobs.

The transportation network is crucial to freight value and tonnage. In 2021, U.S. 87 & U.S. 83 corridor moved $4.8 billion worth of goods (4.1 million tons), the U..S 69 & U.S. 175 corridor moved $2.1 billion of goods (2.4 million tons), the U.S. 59 corridor moved $17.2 billion of goods (11.8 million tons), the U.S. 281 corridor moved $1.2 billion of goods (3.0 million tons), and the U.S. 277 & U.S. 83 corridor moved $15.7 billion of goods (4.4 million tons).

The corridors experience a tremendous amount of wear and tear from this commercial traffic. The report also noted that the state’s population rose from 15 million in 1990 to 30 million in 2022, and by 2060, the population is expected to rise to 44 million. This will add to the number of cars travelling along the corridors.

Improving the corridors to four-lane divided roads reduces congestion and is expected to improve safety for all motorists. Between 2018 and 2022, there were a total of 28,884 crashes, of which 373 were fatal and led to 461 deaths, of which 3,5999 were CMV related, resulting in 94 fatal crashes, 12 deaths and 171 bridges strikes, leading to nine fatal crashes and 10 deaths.

In the conclusion of the report, it stresses that the “Key Corridors serve as critical transportation links to the state’s largest economic sectors, including agriculture and energy; provide connectivity to the border crossings and maritime ports and support the state’s economic competitiveness; [and that] maintaining and upgrading the Key Corridors is essential in addressing safety throughout the state.”  CEG

(All photos courtesy of TxDOT.)

The improvements will provide economic opportunity, connect population growth areas, freight movement and international trade.

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Contractors Continue Numerous Projects Throughout State

Numerous construction projects are under way to upgrade infrastructure, bridges and roads in the Lone Star State. Contracting crews will continue work throughout the spring on a number of items.

Some of the larger projects include:

Contractor: Big Creek Construction LTD

Cost: $55.5 million

Anticipated Completion Date: spring 2026

Limits: From 0.4 mi. SE of SH 155, SE to Cuney

The contractor is also scheduled to continue working on the new westbound bridge and roadway elements, including pavement and ditch work. The project consists of expansion to a four-lane roadway with new bridges across the Neches River.

ible base, hot mix, and pavement markings. Contractor will be placing the embankment in the roadway in a closed lane.

Contractor: East Texas Bridge Inc.

Cost: $14.15 million

Anticipated Completion Date: May 2024

Limits: From Loop 281 to Fisher Rd.

This project consists of widening a two-lane road to four lanes with a center turn lane. This includes drainage structures, new bridge, flexible base, hot mix, and pavement markings. Contractor will be placing the embankment in the roadway in a closed lane.

Contractor: Ragle Construction

Cost: $9.3 million

Anticipated Completion Date: January 2025

Limits: Nelson Street to Marion Drive.

Limits: From Carroll Street to Flat Creek Road

The contractor is scheduled to continue installation of the pedestrian rail and remaining elements of the sidewalk. The project includes pavement structure repairs, sidewalks, pavement markings and signage.

Contractor: Drewery Construction Company

Cost: $12.8 million

Anticipated Completion Date: November 2025

Limits: FM 225 east to CR 3155

This project consists of reconstructing U.S. 84, extended structures, hot mix asphalt surface, new signs and striping. Crews will be extending cross culverts.

Caney Creek Tributary, laying hot mix asphalt on each side of the bridge. CR 336 bridge over Wiggins Creek is scheduled to be demolished. This area will be completely closed to traffic through the duration of the project. The project consists of replacing the existing bridges and approaches.

Contractor: Highway 19 Construction LLC

Cost: $44.4 million

Anticipated Completion Date: summer 2025

Limits: 4 mi. west of FM 849 east to U.S. 69 in Lindale

The project consists of grading, asphalt base, asphalt surface overlay paving, storm drain, bridge, and culvert structures, signing, pavement markings, and signals. Crews will be preparing the right-of-way by removing trees and grading the embankment.

Contractor: Madden Contracting Company

LLC

Cost: $22.5 million

Anticipated Completion Date: summer 2024

Limits: From SH 110 to the Rusk County line

The contractor will continue work on the flexible base repairs at problem locations. They will also continue construction of the cross culvert. Traffic delays are expected. The project will consist of adding a supertwo highway section.

Contractor: East Texas Bridge

Cost: $8.37 million

Anticipated Completion Date: January 2025

Limits: Traffic circle in Kilgore to Rusk County line

This project consists of completely rebuilding the traffic circle and full width of roadway to the Rusk County line. Crews will be demolishing the west half of the road. It will consist of removing existing concrete paving, reconstructing subgrade, constructing concrete paving, storm sewer installation, lighting, and striping.

Contractor: East Texas Bridge Inc.

Cost: $15.16 million

Anticipated Completion Date: May 2024

Limits: Fisher Rd. to SH 42

This project consists of widening a two-lane road to four lanes with a center turn lane. This includes drainage structures, new bridge, flex-

The project consists of replacing the High Street bridge structure over the UP railroad. High Street will be reduced to two lanes – one northbound lane and one southbound lane. One half of the bridge will be constructed at a time. Crews will be forming the deck and building retaining walls.

Contractor: Copasa Inc.

Cost: $30.4 million

Anticipated Completion Date: fall 2024

Limits: At the Clear Creek Bridge 1 mi. north of FM 3054 to 0.1 mi. north of CR 2830

The contractor is scheduled to pour the bridge deck and place the bridge rail in the southbound direction. The project consists of the construction of replacing bridges, approaches, grading, structures, ACP base, ACP surface, retaining walls, curb & gutter, MBGF and pavement markings.

Contractor: Big Creek Construction LTD

Cost: $1.9 million

Anticipated Completion Date: summer 2024

Limits: From FM 3079 to FM 317

The contractor is scheduled to complete sealcoat and begin hot mix overlay operations throughout the project limits. Additionally, crews will continue performing culvert upgrades and drainage work will continue between FM 3079 and FM 3506. The project includes pavement reconstruction, structures, pavement markings and signs.

Contractor: Highway 19 Construction

Cost: $2.3 million

Anticipated Completion Date: spring 2024

Contractor: Lone Star Equipment

Cost: $15.9 million

Anticipated Completion Date: November 2024

Limits: FM 1251 to SH 43

This project consists of reconstructing FM 3231 completely. Work includes widening and re-laying subgrade, flex base material and seal coat. Driveway culverts will be upgraded along with new signs and striping. Contractor is scheduled to install the silt fence in the rightof-way.

Contractor: Highway 19 Construction

Cost: $9.6 million

Anticipated Completion Date: January 2025

Limits: FM 1251 to SH 43

This project consists of reconstructing FM 2658 completely, from CR 344 to FM 1251. Work includes guard fence, treating subgrade, flex base material, seal coat, and striping. Beginning in June, the bridge over Panther Creek will be replaced. The north end of the roadway will be shutdown to through traffic. Only local traffic will be allowed, and detours will be in place. The contractor is scheduled to begin clearing the right-of-way.

Contractor: H.V. Caver Inc.

Cost: $5.7 million

Anticipated Completion Date: April 2024

Limits: FM 314 west one mile and FM 47 to CR 3416

This project is for roadway restoration consisting of scarifying, treating existing material & subgrade, flex base, prime coat, TCST, ACP base, ACP surface, metal beam guard fence, structures, signs, and pavement markings. Work is in progress west of FM 314 and east of FM 47. The frontage roads will be closed until roadway work is completed.

Contractor: Baker & Company

Construction LLC

Cost: $6.2 million

Anticipated Completion Date: fall 2024

Limits: CR 35 bridge at Hitts Creek Trib., CR 336 at Wiggins Creek, CR 411 at Prairie Creek Trib., CR 471 at Prairie Creek, CR 452 at Mill Creek, CR 411 at Caney Creek.

The contractor is working at CR 411 at the

Contractor: Lamar Companies LLC

Cost: $37.9 million

Anticipated Completion Date: summer 2026

Limits: 0.96 mil. north of FM 779 to 1.03 miles south of FM 779

This project consists of grading, base, asphalt, drainage, structures, overpass, signing, and pavement markings. Construction is scheduled to begin in late spring 2024.

Contractor: True Roads Construction

Cost: $6.35 million

Anticipated Completion

TxDOT Selects WSP for Capital Express Central Project

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has chosen WSP, an engineering, environment and professional services consultancy, to provide engineering services for the 1.8-mi. I-35 Capital Express Central Downtown (CapEx-C Downtown) Corridor reconstruction through downtown Austin.

WSP will provide plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) for the downtown segment, which is part of TxDOT’s expansive $4.5 billion, 8-mi. I-35 Capital Express Central Project.

The project will include a specific focus on enhancing safety and mobility throughout the CapEx-C corridor through a variety of means, including:

• Lowering the existing I-35 roadway and adding non-

tolled high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in each direction;

• Connecting downtown Austin communities by reconstructing east-west cross-street bridges;

• Redesign of the CapMetro Red Line crossing at 4th Street to connect to the Austin Convention Center;

• Adding pedestrian and bicycle paths;

• Designing the infrastructure support for the “caps” funded by the city of Austin and the University of Texas at Austin, which could include deck parks to serve neighboring communities.

WSP will design the traffic control phasing for both the downtown and University of Texas segments of the highway and coordinate efforts with various ongoing design and con-

struction projects along the CapEx Corridor. CapEx-C is targeting completion in 2032.

“Capital Express Central Downtown is a signature project for TxDOT,” said Stephanie Messerli, senior vice president and Texas transportation leader of WSP. “It will enhance mobility in Austin and connect communities, improving safety and helping to alleviate congestion. The knowledge gained from WSP’s recent work on the adjacent Capital Express Central Lady Bird Lake PS&E will play a critical role in creating a successful plan for the Capital Express Central Downtown segment.”

The I-35 Capital Express Program project represents the first significant upgrade of the I-35 corridor since 1974. It includes three stand-alone projects — North, Central and South — and is part of TxDOT’s wider Mobility35 Program that covers nearly 80 mi. of corridor through Williamson, Travis and Hays counties.

WSP has a history of successful transportation projects in Texas, including consultant for the Austin Airport Program Management Support; design consultant for the CapMetro new North Base Demand Response Facility; major interstate reconstruction projects that include lead designer for the recent completion of the 10-mi. Southern Gateway project in Dallas, lead engineer for the Dallas Horseshoe reconstruction project and design services for the Interstate 30 Dallas Canyon Interchange project; program manager/owner’s representative in a joint venture for the 26-mi. Silver Line project for Dallas Area Rapid Transit; engineering consulting services for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, a design-build project to reconstruct 8.5-mi. of U.S. 183 South and convert a four-lane expressway into a six-lane tolled highway; and general engineering consultant for oversight on U.S. 183 North construction.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, an engineering, environment and professional services firms. Recognized in 2023 on TIME’s list of the world’s best companies and Fortune’s Change the World list, WSP brings together engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. WSP designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With approximately 14,000 employees in 300 offices across the U.S., WSP partners with its clients to help communities prosper. For more information, visit wsp.com.

WSP also will be responsible for redesigning of the CapMetro Red Line crossing at 4th Street to connect to the Austin Convention Center and adding pedestrian and bicycle paths.

The project will include a specific focus on enhancing safety and mobility throughout the CapEx-C corridor through lowering the existing I-35 roadway and adding non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in each direction.

2016 Komatsu PC228USLC-10 a/c, camera, Coupler, 9’6” arm KM16348 $97,000 6,102 hrs.

2016 Komatsu WA320-7 Enclosed ROPS KM16028X $65,000 14,686 hrs.

2015 HAMM HD+ 120I VV Vibratory Tandem HA15064 $54,000 2,054 hrs.

2019 PC240LC-11 a/c, 31.5" shoes, camera K191571X $99,000 7,434 hrs.

2017 Komatsu PC490LC-11 Cab, a/c, QC, 11'1" stick, 35.5" shoes, CWRD KM17569P $259,000 5,400 hrs.

2012 Komatsu HB215LC-1 a/c, 9'7" long arm, 32" shoes, hybrid, bucket KM12780U $75,000 3,818 hrs.

2014 Komatsu PC170LC-10 Cab, a/c, 9' 6" stick, GP bucket, 24" tgp KM14231X $75,000 6,700 hrs.

2016 Komatsu PC360LC-11 a/c, aux hydraulics, 10'6" stick, 34" shoes, camera KM16046 $108,000 7,668 hrs.

2019 Komatsu D65PX-18 Ripper, Enclosed ROPS K19247 $157,500 6,393 Hours

2017 Komatsu D85EX-18 a/c, Sigma blade, 26” shoes KM17444 $199,000 4,399 hrs.

2017 Takeuchi TL8CRW cab, rubber tracks, HD bucket w/ teeth TL17037 $43,000 2,146 hrs.

2013 GEHL Z45 cab, a/c,blade, coupler, aux hyd, rubber track, bucket GH13001 $34,500 1,541 hrs.

2015 NPK GH18 Refurbished, PC490LC mounting bracket NP15027 $54,000

2017 Komatsu PC650LC-11 a/c,14’ stick, 36” shoes KM17501 $299,000 8,320 hrs.

2017 Takeuchi TL12V2 cab, rubber tracks, ride control TL17017 $54,000 3,338 hrs.

2017 Komatsu PC138USLC-11 a/c, camera, 8’2” arm, blade, coupler KM17099 $109,500 4,868 hrs.

2016 Komatsu GD655-6 Pushblock, 14' MB KM16099R $140,500 4,791 hrs.

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9,401 hrs.

Mitsubishi Honors Cat Lift Trucks 2024 Scholarship Winner

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, a leading North American provider and manufacturer of material handling and innovative automation and fleet solutions, announced the recipient of its 2024 Cat Lift Trucks Scholarship Program.

This year’s $5,000 scholarship winner is Cardin Tuan Kiet Tran, a high school senior at Davis High School in Houston.

Tran plans to major in civil engineering at Rice University, bringing with him a track record of leadership and involvement.

Tran is actively shaping his community as the founder of the Davis High School Environmental Club and president/editor-in-chief of the Falcon Gazette Newspaper Club. His commitment extends to organizations such as the city of Houston Youth Ambassadors, National Technical Honor Society, Norman Borlaug Youth in Agriculture Program and Child-Friendly Cities Initiative. Notably, Tran’s impact was recognized for being the most effective student in promoting secondary education via trade schools at Lone Star and received an outstanding student award for Algebra II, OnRamps Physics, AP World History and more.

Today, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas surprised Tran at his high school, presenting him with a $5,000 check and complimentary Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo tickets for him, his family and a teacher who inspired his educational journey. As someone passionate about urban and transportation centers, Tran hopes to learn ways to build environmentally friendly infrastructure to serve society better.

“Our applicants were outstanding this year, but Cardin’s vision for the future and dedication to STEM truly makes him a role model for future high school seniors,” said Jerry Sytsma, executive vice president, sales & aftermarket services at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “We are committed to investing in students’ education as they are the future generations in our industry. It has been incredible to see the achievements of our scholarship recipients over the past 20 years.”

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas has been actively contributing to the Greater Houston community by honoring exceptional high school seniors pursuing a four-year degree related to the material handling industry. Over the past two decades, the Cat Lift Trucks Scholarship Program has awarded $145,000 in educational assistance to 29 Houston area students.

For more information, visit logisnextamericas.com. 

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