Dynamic Signs, Communication in the Works on IH-35

Transportation officials and legislators send reconstruction and new projects forward across the state, approve local efforts to work with toll authorities on improving roads.

Intelligent Transportation Systems Under Way Along IH-35

The Texas Department of Transportation will be expanding its Intelligent Transportation Systems in San Antonio and Austin along the IH-35 corridor connecting the cities.

The project was awarded to J&V Communication Services Inc. of Forney at a cost of $4.5 million. Work should conclude through summer of 2008.

Highway 183 Right-of-Way Work Starts with Fort Worth Company

Fort Worth-based Integra Realty Resources DFW has been awarded contracts for the appraisal of right-of-way needed for the expansion of State Highway 183 through Irving. The project will require right-of-way from properties such as Irving Mall, approximately 12 hotels, 16 automotive dealerships and 14 restaurants.

IRR will be appraising approximately 167 commercial and residential properties along the north and south sides of SH 183 for the right-of-way acquisitions needed by TxDOT for the project. 

The proposed reconstruction of SH 183 will provide two to three, reversible, managed High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, located between eight general purpose main lanes (four lanes in each direction), and two to three service road lanes in each direction. Additionally, several on-ramps, off-ramps and intersections will be re-configured.

New Legislation Allows TxDOT to Work with Local Toll Entities

The Texas Transportation Commission recently authorized TxDOT to work with local toll entities such as regional tollway authorities, regional mobility authorities and counties to begin moving forward on 87 projects that are currently years away from being fully funded.

To accelerate improvements, the projects are being proposed by TxDOT for development, construction and operation as toll projects. Senate Bill 792 gives local toll entities the first option to develop, construct and operate toll projects in their jurisdiction.

Before initiating a toll project on the state highway system, SB 792 requires the local toll authority and TxDOT to agree on terms and conditions for the project, including the initial toll rate and the methodology for changing the rate. The law also requires a market valuation of the project be developed to determine what the project is worth.

Reconstruction Starts on Interstate 45-Gulf Freeway in Houston Area

The Texas Transportation Commission has awarded a $36 million contract for the reconstruction of IH 45-Gulf Freeway in Webster from Medical Center Boulevard to south of NASA Road 1. A major part of the reconstruction of this segment will be the reconfiguration of the interchange at NASA Road 1.
 
The project, beginning at Medical Center Boulevard and ending south of NASA Road 1 (FM 528) at Magnolia Avenue, includes widening a one-mi section of the IH-45 existing main lanes and frontage roads and building a new overpass at NASA Road 1. Currently the NASA Road 1 bridges go over IH-45. Once the project is complete, NASA Road 1 will be at ground level beneath the newly constructed IH-45 main lanes.

Houston-based Texas Sterling Construction  was awarded the $36 million contract. The contractor could potentially earn an additional $1 million bonus for early substantial completion of the project. Construction has started and is projected for completion by the end of August 2009.

Granite Awarded $37 Million Project in Lubbock

Granite Construction Co. of Watsonville, Calif. will begin construction this quarter on a $37 million project for the construction of a freeway in Lubbock.

Under the TxDOT contract, Granite will convert approximately 2 mi of existing roadway to freeway. The project also includes excavation, embankment, asphalt and concrete paving, as well as the construction of retaining walls, bridge structures, drainage, signage and erosion control.

The project is targeted for a mid-2009 completion.

$31.7 Million Road Reconstruction Project Starts in Fort Worth

Work began in June on the reconstruction of State Highway 199 from Farm-to-Market Road 1886 to Denver Trail in Fort Worth. The $31.7 million project includes reconstruction of the frontage roads, new signals, traffic cameras and dynamic message signs.

The 4.25-mi project is estimated for completion by winter 2009. TxDOT awarded the project to Texas Sterling Construction of Houston.

SH 199 is an important arterial roadway for northwest Tarrant County and by rebuilding the frontage roads and preparing for continued growth, TxDOT is addressing the current needs while planning ahead for future increases in traffic, a spokesman said.

State Addresses Improvements to Highway Pavement Conditions

Texas highways are showing the wear and tear of more traffic and it will take an increase in maintenance funding to keep pavement conditions from deteriorating further, according to state transportation officials.

Officials with TxDOT say billions of dollars may need to be transferred from new construction to routine maintenance to take care of the nearly 80,000-mi state highway system.

According to state figures, to maintain current levels of pavement conditions, an additional $6.3 billion is needed between now and 2012.