TxDOT Honors Contractors with Texas Project Awards
By Kristen Ogden Smith, AGC
At the October letting, Interim Executive Director John Barton addressed the monthly membership luncheon, saying he was honored to be with “the people who are committed to making transportation in Texas better.”
Barton recognized the recipients of the Texas Project Awards, which serve to recognize the special cooperative spirit it takes to complete complex transportation projects and solve difficult problems. He also recognized the efforts of TxDOT employees in advancing the department in the achievement of its transportation goals.
This year, there were six projects for construction and two projects for design.
Construction Award #1
Abilene District: Brian Madson with Webber, LLC and TxDOT Engineering Technician Coker Roswell (on behalf of Timothy W. Roswell, who passed away January 2011)
In 2010, the Abilene District completed a high-profile project that was a key part of a long-term plan to improve safety and mobility for traffic accessing Dyess Air Force Base and other areas of northwest Abilene from the I-20 Corridor. This $22.7 million project was awarded to W.W. Webber, LLC and involved the construction of a new interchange on US 84 at FM 3438.
The complexity of the design was demanding and proper placement of rebar was an issue. However, TxDOT worked with Webber to resolve this issue and ensure proper placement minimizing corrective work. Their coordination helped bring the construction and record keeping elements of the project together.
They understood the importance of the project to the community, and both made a concerted effort to overcome any obstacles so the project could move forward. This project demonstrated how a good, solid relationship is essential for smooth project delivery and quality work.
Construction Award #2
Fort Worth District: Mark Smith with Webber, LLC, Jason Crawford with TTI Mobility, and TxDOT Project Manager Robert Freeman.
In 2007, TxDOT and Webber partnered to transform 5.8 miles of former turnpike landscape into a modern Texas highway. Working with local communities and agencies, TxDOT began studying I-30 improvements in the 1990s to address traffic demand and congestion. The development process was a partnership between TxDOT, the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ Regional Transportation Council, and the City of Arlington.
The $165 million improvements included one-way frontage roads, rebuilding the I-30 main lanes, building new bridges, and extending the reversible HOV lanes into Tarrant County. Under the leadership of TxDOT Project Manager Robert Freeman and Webber Project Manager Mark Smith, this partnership succeeded in opening the project prior to the World Series and Super Bowl XLV. It was on budget with a $3.2 million savings that was reapplied to the project. They met critical milestones and opened four months early.
