TEXAS STATE EDITION
A Supplement to:
®
August 20 2017 Vol. II • No. 17
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.” Your Texas Connection • Dennis Hogeboom • 1-877-7CEGLTD • dennishogeboom@cegltd.com
TxDOT’s $158M ‘Go-10’ Project Adds New Lanes in El Paso By Chuck Harvey CEG CORRESPONDENT
Interstate 10 in El Paso will add 5.75 mi. of collector-distributor lanes from North Mesa Street to Executive Center Boulevard as part of a $158-million project called “Go 10.” Go 10 is an infrastructure reconstruction of Interstate 10 on El Paso’s Westside. Its purpose is to improve traffic flow, vehicle capacity and safety along the much-used portion of I-10. Go 10 is the largest traditionallydelivered design-bid-build project that the Texas Department of Transportation, El Paso District, has done to date. Construction of the project started in April 2015 and should be completed by April 2019. In addition to the new connector-distributor lanes, the project includes improved direct-connector ramps at Paisano Drive; intermittent addition I-10 main lanes in both directions; and reconfiguration of ramps and overpasses at Sunland Park Drive, Resler Drive and North Mesa Street. Connector-distributor lanes are high-speed roadways that collect and distribute vehicles and in
doing so, reduce the need for weaving and merging on the interstate mainlines. As part of the project, 29 bridges will be built including 14 that extend over drainage ways. Four Work Zones The project is divided into four work zones. The first zone includes construction of the collector-distributor lanes from North Mesa Street to Executive Center Boulevard and direct connector from southbound Resler Drive to eastbound collector-distributor lanes. Zone 1 also features reconstruction of the I-10 and U.S. 85 Interchange and addition of new lanes to the eastbound and westbound main lanes. Zone 2 includes construction of U-turns at North Mesa Street and the building of a direct connector from southbound Sunland Park Drive to the eastbound collectordistributor lanes. Zone 3 includes construction of Sunland Park Drive on-ramps and off-ramps, building of eastbound and westbound collector-distributor lanes and improvements to Sunland Park Drive adjacent to I-10. In zone 4, workers will construct North Mesa Street from north of I-
10 to south of I-10, including the adjacent ramps. They also will construct westbound collector-distributor lanes near Resler Drive and the ramp to Resler Drive. In addition, they will construct westbound collector-distributor lanes under Sunland Park Drive and build turnabouts at North Mesa Street and at Sunland Park Drive. Other Go 10 jobs include upgrades to a portion of North Main Street and portions of north and south Desert Boulevard frontage roads including improved turning movements and better drainage. Aesthetics are an important part of the project: bridge caps will include a sun design; retaining walls will feature a mountain and sun design in locations where they are visible to motorists; and landscaping includes various xeriscaping with pavers, rock and some native vegetation. Funding for the project is primarily from state and federal sources. Part of the amount came from El Paso County’s 2014 $10 increase on vehicle registration fees. Go 10 is overseen by the Texas Department of Transportation, see TXDOT page 14
TxDOT, El Paso District photo
Go 10 is an infrastructure reconstruction of Interstate 10 on El Paso’s Westside.
Federal Court Rules in Favor of Mobility Authority, TxDOT The U.S. District Court in Austin issued a ruling in favor of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on a lawsuit attempting to prevent the agencies from advancing three key mobility improvement projects in south Austin. The suit was filed last year in federal court by Save Our Springs Alliance and other plaintiffs in an effort to stop construction of two projects that had already received environmental clearance, the SH 45SW Project and the
MoPac Intersections Project, as well as the environmental study of the proposed MoPac South Project. “We are pleased that the judge has denied the claims brought by the plaintiffs so we can continue working to bring meaningful congestion relief to our region,” said Mike Heiligenstein, executive director of the Mobility Authority. “Today’s ruling confirms the credibility of the environmental study processes and planning procedures that guide our work. It’s time to separate politics from the science and let
the science lead.” The plaintiffs asserted there were flaws with the process in which the environmental studies on all three projects were carried out. They claimed that, rather than studying the projects independently, they should have been analyzed as one single project. Each of these projects has significant independent utility, meaning each would benefit drivers and would be considered a reasonable expenditure, even if no see MOPAC page 12
Page 2 • August 20, 2017 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
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Officials Break Ground at Plaza Saltillo Metrorail Station Capital Metro and the Endeavor Real Estate Group/Columbus Realty Partners team hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on June 28 at the Plaza Saltillo MetroRail Station in East Austin to celebrate the commencement of construction on the Plaza Saltillo District. The event featured a flagplanting ceremony, remarks by community members and local officials, music and refreshments. The Plaza Saltillo District is a transit-oriented development (TOD) on 10 acres that will transform an abandoned brownfield site that once held the city’s train depot into a significant, mixed-use multimodal community just east of downtown Austin. The community will feature apartments, office space, retail outlets, open space and public art. When completed, the Plaza Saltillo District will be served by a range of transportation options, including MetroRail, MetroBus, Car2Go, pedestrian paseos, Austin B-cycle and an extension of the Lance Armstrong Bikeway from downtown Austin. Endeavor is extending the Lance Armstrong Bikeway from under I-35 at 4th Street to Plaza Saltillo and including pedestrian/bike-only paseos that will allow neighbors from the north and south to conveniently pass through the property. Reserved The Plaza Saltillo District is a transit-oriented development (TOD) on 10 acres that will transform an abandoned brownfield site into a mixed-use multimodal community.
Capital Metro and the Endeavor Real Estate Group/Columbus Realty Partners team hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on June 28 at the Plaza Saltillo MetroRail Station in East Austin.
Car2Go parking will be provided along with public parking in below-ground facilities, and San Marcos Street will be extended as part of the project. “The Plaza Saltillo District is the realization of a shared vision of literally hundreds of talented and dedicated people, and reflects more than 20 years of input from surrounding neighborhoods, businesses, elected leaders and community stakeholders,” said Linda Watson, Capital Metro’s president/CEO. “We are very grateful for all of their efforts in the creation of this future
vibrant and transit-rich neighborhood that will help address two of the region’s biggest problems — mobility and affordability.” The groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 28. Leaders from Capital Metro, Endeavor Real Estate Group/Columbus Realty Partners, the city of Austin and the East Austin neighborhood planted flags on the site just east of Plaza Saltillo to kick off construction. “A primary goal of this project is to increase ridership on Capital Metro services — not just for the agency’s benefit, but
because successful public transit serves the whole region,” said Sabino “Pio” Renteria, a member of both the Capital Metro board of directors and the Austin City Council. “With more than 1,700 people living and working there, the Plaza Saltillo District will be able to do just that.” To accommodate the new development without disrupting MetroRail service, Capital Metro has realigned the rail tracks between Downtown Station and Plaza Saltillo, moving them from their former location in the center of the property to its southern edge along 4th Street. Remediation work has already begun on parts of the site, and preparation for construction on the below-grade parking structure that will support the office building will begin this summer. Endeavor anticipates the process will take approximately 30 months. Earlier this year, the City Council approved zoning that included a four-story office building but granted Endeavor an option to increase the height of the office building to eight stories provided additional contributions were made toward enhancing affordability in the surrounding neighborhood. In April, the Capital Metro board unani-
mously approved an amendment to the ground lease that incentivized Endeavor to move forward with the development of the larger building. With this density, the Plaza Saltillo project will allow Capital Metro to fund more transit service across its network, fund more affordable housing, and generate revenue for its regional partners, including the city of Austin, AISD and Travis County. “We are excited to start construction on this important transit- and community-oriented project where people will live, work, shop and be entertained,” said Jason Thumlert, a principal with Endeavor Real Estate Group. “Plaza Saltillo will connect East Austin with downtown and bring even more vibrancy to East Austin while enhancing the local flavor of that community. The project will emphasize local jobs, local design, local artists and local retail — all in a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. We’re honored to work with Capital Metro and all stakeholders to make this vision a reality.” The Plaza Saltillo development will consist of: • 11 total acres, 10 of which are to be redeveloped. (The 1 acre that contains Plaza Saltillo and the MetroRail station will not be see PLAZA page 8
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 20, 2017 • Page 5
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Page 6 • August 20, 2017 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Construction Careers...
Training Programs in Houston Target Construction Workers By Dylan Baddour HOUSTON CHRONICLE
HOUSTON (AP) Jaime Ramos worked picking ornamental ferns in Florida until he got ready to start a family. He took a higherpaying construction job, but then found himself frustrated by a transient labor force that learns as it goes. “There are people who’ve been doing this for years and sometimes they don’t know they’re doing something the wrong way,’’ he said. “Just nobody ever taught them.’’ The Houston Chronicle reports workers came and went. No one got benefits. There was barely opportunity for advancement. Ramos knew it was no place to build a future. Then he got a call from a brother-in-law in Houston, who told him about one contractor, Marek Bros., that offered a training program and a real career path. So Ramos moved here and took advantage of Marek’s classes. Six years later, he’s a company foreman with a promising future in management. Without training from Marek, Ramos said, “I’d be job-hopping like the other friends I have.’’ Ramos is both an exception in the modern construction industry and exactly the kind of worker that local employers are struggling to cultivate amid a generations-long downturn in the skill and availability of construction labor. “I’ve yet to run across anybody who doesn’t agree that the industry has a workforce problem,’’ said Chuck Gremillion, executive director of the Houston-based Construction Career Collaborative, or C3, which since 2009 has worked with contractors and project owners to improve their employment standards. While local community colleges, Houston, San Jacinto and Lone Star, help prepare students entering the trades, C3 tries to rally contractors to work with the existing labor pool and make the industry more attractive. That’s a tall task. C3 faces a complicated problem at the intersection of low wages, dangerous work, poor benefits, the scaling back of vocational courses in public schools and loss of craft training programs once offered by labor unions. Quickly fading are the days of career painters, bricklayers and drywall hangers. C3 has taken aim at all of these factors, teaching safety protocol, enforcing good
“We’ve seen this decrease in the availability and the skill level of the workfroce over many years. The lack of training is why we believe we’re in a workforce shortage.’’ Katrina Kersch National Center for Construction Education
employment practices among its accredited contractors and focusing on craft training as part of a long-term solution. “We’ve seen this decrease in the availability and the skill level of the workforce over many years,’’ said Katrina Kersch, chief operations officer of the National Center for Construction Education and Research in Alachua, Fla. “The lack of training is why we believe we’re in a workforce shortage.’’ The problem is most acute in quickly growing regions with high labor demand, like Texas. Large segments of the construction workforce operate as independent subcontractors drifting from sector to sector without the benefits of full employment, usually learning the craft with no formal training. Lack of training also harms the bottom line. Research from 2014 from the Construction Industry Institute at the University of Texas found that if 1 percent of project costs were invested in workforce training, productivity rises 11 percent, injuries fall by 26 percent and the amount of work that must be redone falls by 23 percent. “If there’s a limiting factor in Houston growing, it would be a skilled workforce,’’ said Jim Stevenson, Houston division president of McCarthy Building Cos., a contractor accredited by C3. C3, which hired its first three paid staffers in 2014, now is working to bring on a “craft training champion’’ to encourage and foster in-house training programs at contractors across the city. As Gremillion tells it, the training problem began with the decline in
union membership beginning in the 1980s. The unions, he said, traditionally offered craft training. Nelson Lichtenstein, director of the Center for the Study of Work, Labor and Democracy at the University of California, Santa Barbara, said major employers’ longstanding focus on lowering wages also contributed to the current situation. C3 shares office space with the local branch of the Associated General Contractors of America, which Lichtenstein said generations ago encouraged the use of non-union labor. The industry, he said, is “complaining about something they helped create.’’ But unions aren’t totally dead. Particularly for trades like electricians, HVAC techs or plumbers that require state licenses, union training programs remain robust. At the Plumbers Local Union 68 in north central Houston, director of training Robert Cross spreads about three dozen textbooks across a conference room table — the material for the five-year program to become a certified journeyman plumber. Books range from basic safety to math to “Drawing Interpretation and Plan Reading.’’ The union has 35 part-time instructors, 16 classrooms and computer labs with projector screens, and six shop areas stocked with pipe cutting and welding stations or mock-ups of hospital gas systems, refrigeration coils, an office tower mechanical closet and a bathroom plumbing system. Local 68 has roughly 1,900 members, plus about 600 students who spend 246 classroom hours and 600 hours apprenticing
“The industry wasn’t doing as well attracting people because they didn’t see paths for growth. We felt like we needed to do our part to contribute to solving this.’’ Sabra Philips Marek
for certified plumbers each year for five years. The program is funded through deductions from members’ wages, which are $44.34 per hour under union negotiation. “These programs take a lot of energy, a lot of effort,’’ Cross said. “This is the type of school that C3 would like to see their contractors bring back for all their crafts.’’ C3 has about 230 accredited contractors in Houston. The companies have agreed to hire workers as hourly employees, not subcontractors; to pay overtime and offer compensation insurance; to provide federal safety certification; and to express an intention of building an in-house craft training program. After hiring a training manager, C3 will assess each company’s progress in developing their own programs. Some have already launched. Ramos, for example, started at Marek as a helper hanging drywall, while also taking courses on materials and processes, codes and regulations, reading blueprints and the economics of budgeting. He eventually earned a certification to coach other students. Marek started the training program about 10 years ago. “The industry wasn’t doing as well attracting people because they didn’t see paths for growth,’’ said Sabra Phillips, Marek’s director of talent development. “We felt like we needed to do our part to contribute to solving this.’’ McCarthy also is opening a new office building east of Houston with a dedicated craft training facility for employees. To encourage more such programs, C3 is developing a blueprint for other companies seeking to build such training programs. Major projects that have opted to use C3accredited contractors include an expansion of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, currently under way; a new pediatric tower for Texas Children’s Hospital; and expansions for Memorial Hermann in the Texas Medical Center and for an MD Anderson Cancer Center in League City. Peter Dawson, senior vice president of facility services at Texas Children’s and a member of the C3 board, said accreditation like this reduces instances of “substandard construction quality.’’ “This is of long-term benefit to those who own and operate the facilities,’’ he said. (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 20, 2017 • Page 7
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Construct-A-Lead Announces Texas Projects, Lets Users Download Leads, Track Progress Construct-A-Lead, a comprehensive construction lead service, announced the following Texas projects will go forward. Construct-ALead’s newly implemented advanced search feature allows the user to find their leads or key contacts by project type, location, bid stage, dollar value, company or keyword. Users are able to track projects status, save searches, put personalized notes on projects, email a project to a colleague or customer, reach out directly to the decision maker and download construction leads with a one-touch feature. Interested parties are invited to visit Construct-A-Lead.com and sign up for a no obligation test drive, where they will be able to experience these newly integrated features.
Users will be able to receive regular alerts on new and updated construction projects, in accordance with the individual’s preference. An example of the Texas projects available within the database is listed below. Reference the Project ID to utilize the new site features and to obtain direct contact information for each construction lead: • Dallas — Xerox redevelopment — Plans call for the redevelopment of the former Xerox property into a 1,400,000-sq. ft. mixed-use development, to include a residential tower, luxury hotel, shopping and restaurants plus two office towers. Construction start: Q1, Q2, 2019 $1,500,000,000. • Katy — VibraLife — Plans call for building a new post-acute and residential care community at
58,000 sq. ft. and provide a total of 104 beds, including a 70-bed transitional care rehabilitation center, an 18-bed assisted living center and a 16-bed secured memory care unit. Construction start: 6/22/2017, $25,000,000. • Austin — Arrive hotel — Plans call for a new 58,600- sq. ft., fivestory, 83-room boutique hotel. Construction start: Q4, 2017. $17,400,000 Project ID: 1393621 • San Antonio — Southside ISD New Elementary School — Plans call for building a new elementary school totaling approximately 65,000 sq. ft. Construction start: Q3, 2017. $30,000,000. • San Marcos — Cabana Beach — Plans call for the renovation and upgrade of the newly acquired 744bed community serving the students
at Texas State University. Construction start: Q3, Q4, 2017, $10,000,000. • McAllen — Premier Plaza Retail Center — Plans call for the new construction of a 46,000- sq. ft. shopping center with Class A medical space on the second floor. Construction start: July 2017. $5,000,000. Construct-A-Lead is an online database that connects users to largescale commercial construction projects, including those hidden, private project leads. For more information, call 855/874-1491 or visit Construct-ALead.com. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)
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Plaza Saltillo District to Become Mixed-Use Community PLAZA from page 4
under construction but are considered part of the district). • Six continuous city blocks from I-35 to Onion Street, between 4th and 5th streets. • Approximately 800 residential units. • 141 units (17.6 percent) reserved for residents who earn up to 50 percent of Austin’s median family income (MFI). • 110,000 sq. ft. of retail, including restaurants. • 140,000 sq. ft. of office space, primarily in an eight-story office tower at I-35 that includes retail on the first floor. • 1.4 acres of public open space (parks, a paseo and bikeways). • Works created by local artists, including tiles created in the style of Austin’s sister city of Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. For more information, visit capmetro.org/plazasaltillo. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)
When completed, the Plaza Saltillo District will be served by a range of transportation options.
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 20, 2017 • Page 9
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Altstadt Brewery, Guido Construction ‘Raise the Roof’ A new brewery development, ALTSTADT, now has completed the frame out on its three-story German Tudor style grand clock tower. The 58,000-sq. ft. attraction, built by San Antonio based Guido Construction, broke ground June 2015 on the 20 acre Texas hill country facility located at 6120 U.S. Hwy 290 East, Fredericksburg, Texas. The ALTSTADT Brewery development, envisioned to be the next community jewel, was designed to fit the “old world” German charm of Fredericksburg, showcasing world-class interior finishes. Billy and William Scripps Jr., co-founders and visionaries of ALTSTADT Brewery, hired architect Whitney Koch of Mustard Design and Guido Construction Company to build their world-class, one-of-a-kind destination brewery. Scheduled for public opening April 2018, ALTSTADT Brewery touts attractions that include brewery tours, beer tasting room, upscale restaurants, wine cellar, event hall, beer gardens, outdoor facilities, retail shop and offices for corporate headquarters. The brewery is only one of four in the United States to use open fermentation vessels to produce the finest, hand-crafted, top fermenting beers in centuries old German tradi-
The tree raising or ‘topping out’ ceremony was chosen in the old world European tradition of neighbors helping each other “raise the roof” before the advent of cranes.
the supports removed. A tree was placed at the highest point of the roof to appease the tree-dwelling spirits of their ancestors that had been displaced in construction. The Altstadt family, in keeping with small town values of Fredericksburg and its German heritage, invited neighbors and visitors from around the world to enjoy this informal gathering with
a complimentary beer tasting. ALTSTADT beer is now available in select grocery, liquor stores, fine restaurants and pubs in the Texas Hill Country, Austin and San Antonio area. For more information, visit AltstadtBeer.com and facebook.com/GuidoCompanies. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.) ALTSTADT Brewery photos
tion. Ahead of construction schedule on the brewery, Tom Guido, president of Guido Construction, looked forward to hosting the ALTSTADT tree raising ceremony. “Everyone’s invited to join us as we serve up Bratwurst and exceptional ALTSTADT beer, the perfect match for a Fredericksburg community gathering,” said Guido. The tree raising or “topping out” ceremony was chosen in the old world European tradition of neighbors helping each other “raise the roof” before the advent of cranes. The entire community was brought together in celebration once the roof was raised and
A new brewery development, ALTSTADT, now has completed the frame out on its three-story German Tudor-style grand clock tower.
Construction on SH45SW Continues, Granite Wins $855M MoPac Environmental Study Resumes Grand Parkway Project Contract MOPAC from page 1
additional transportation improvements in the area were made. Additionally, the projects were studied according to robust state and federal environmental documentation guidelines. TxDOT had previously issued environmental clearance for SH 45SW and MoPac Intersections to move into construction. The environmental study process for MoPac South has been on hold pending the judge’s ruling. Following the Aug. 4 ruling, progress on the three mobility improvement projects will continue. “Our region has suffered from traffic congestion long enough and we are driven to bring sustainable transportation options to our growing region. Today’s decision marks a renewed commitment to mobility improvements, and it constitutes a huge victory for the residents and commuters of Central Texas.” Heiligenstein said.
What’s Next For Each Project? • Construction on SH 45SW in Hays and southern Travis counties will carry on. In addition to improved mobility, the project includes extensive water quality protection measures and bike and pedestrian facilities. When construction is complete, it will offer immediate relief to drivers in the area. By redirecting commuter traffic off of Manchaca Road,
“Today’s decision marks a renewed commitment to mobility improvements, and it constitutes a huge victory for the residents and commuters of Central Texas.” Mike Heiligenstein
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority
Slaughter Lane and Brodie Lane, SH 45SW allows local roads to better serve drivers residing in surrounding neighborhoods. • The MoPac South Environmental Study will resume, and the Mobility Authority and TxDOT will re-engage with the public and stakeholders as potential solutions for managing congestion along south MoPac Expressway between Cesar Chavez Street and Slaughter Lane are assessed. For more information, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)
Granite Construction Incorporated announced that Grand Parkway Infrastructure LLC comprised of Granite Construction Company, Ferrovial Agroman U.S. Corp. and Webber LLC has been awarded the SH-99 Grand Parkway design-build contract for segments H, I-1, and I-2 by the Texas Department of Transportation. Granite booked its 30 percent share of the $855 million joint venture project into backlog during the second quarter of 2017. Scope of the contract includes the construction of 52.5 mi. of highway through Chambers, Harris, Liberty and Montgomery counties. The team is responsible for the construction of 37.5 mi. of a tolled two-lane controlled access facility with intermittent four lane sections, new toll lanes and tolling equipment. There are also 74 new bridges along the length of the project and more than 10 million yards of earthwork to be moved. Work was scheduled to begin in July 2017 and conclude in spring 2022. For more information visit grandparkwaysystem.org/ and graniteconstruction.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 20, 2017 • Page 13
Page 14 • August 20, 2017 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
TxDOT Adds Collector-Distributor Lanes to Interstate 10
Construction of the project started in April 2015 and should be completed by April 2019.
mostly done during daylight hours. Some work is done at night based on crew availability, weather and when traffic lanes need to be closed. Heavy equipment at the project site includes scrapers, dump trucks, man lifts, Bobcat excavators and cranes.
As part of the project, 29 bridges will be built including 14 that extend over drainage ways. TxDOT, El Paso District photos
In addition to the new connector-distributor lanes, the project includes improved direct-connector ramps. TXDOT from page 1
Border West Expressway, El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization and the city and county of El Paso, with TxDOT as the project manager. Primary contractor for Go 10 is Zurich Insurance of Schaumburg, Ill. Sundt Construction of Tucson, Ariz., is the main subcontractor responsible for performing and managing all construction activities. Subcontractors hired by Sundt are considered second and third tier on the construction ladder. So far, 25 subcontractors have been hired for the project. Major subcontractors include Tri-State Electric Co. of Vinton, Texas; Traffic Control Specialists of El Paso; Hardy Hole Drilling of Chaparral, N.M.; Choctaw Erectors Inc. of Grand Prairie, Texas; and Cano Structures LLC of Surprise, Ariz. About 120 workers are currently on the Go 10 is the largest traditionally-delivered design-bid-build project that the Texas job. Work that doesn’t impact motorists is Department of Transportation, El Paso District, has done to date.
Heavy Use of Concrete, Asphalt The Go 10 project will require a total of 350,000 sq. yds. of concrete for pavement (about 72 acres); 87,000 tons of asphalt; 216,000 sq. ft. of retaining walls; and 1 million cu. yds. of dirt. Crews will install 610,000 sq. ft. of bridge deck, while the existing asphalt pavement will be removed and recycled as part of the new pavement. Steel that is removed will be sold to industry for melt down and reuse and concrete will be reused in subgrade layers in various forms. Phase 2 Bridge Construction Recent project work includes construction of an I-10 overpass at North Mesa Street. Crews are building a bridge between the eastbound and westbound I-10 lanes on an existing two-part bridge structure that crosses North Mesa Street. The new center bridge will be used temporarily for eastbound traffic during phased work while the existing eastbound I-10 structure is rebuilt. Once the eastbound I-10 bridge is rebuilt, the center bridge will be used for westbound traffic while workers rebuild the westbound part of the overpass. “The contractor is working the entire length of the project from Mesa to Executive Center,” said Tim Twomey, the project engineer. “Work within the project limits is divided into phases at major interchanges.” Work at North Mesa Street is currently in Phase 2 of three phases. Phase 3 will feature construction of the westbound main-lane bridge once Phase 2 is complete. Eastbound
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 20, 2017 • Page 15
to Improve Traffic Flow, Reduce Congestion in El Paso traffic will then be permanently directed to the newly constructed eastbound bridge. Work is active at Resler Drive where crews are building the new direct connector and aligning it to the collector-distributor roads. Once traffic is switched to the new structure, the old direct connector will be demolished. Sunland Park Drive traffic will be moved to turnaround bridges on both sides of the new interchange that are currently under construction. The permanent Sunland Park Drive bridge will then be constructed with traffic switched to the new structure roughly in the same alignment with the turnaround bridges placed in operation at that time. The section between Sunland Park Drive and Executive Center Boulevard involves pavement widening, allowing for the merging of the collector-distributor roadway with I-10 at Executive Center Boulevard. Phase 1 builds the pavement in this section and is nearing completion with Phase 2 involving the center median re-construction including concrete pavement on the shoulder along with a concrete traffic barrier. Other work involving side road construction is performed along-side I-10 work when dictated by phasing. Relieve Congestion, Improve Safety Traffic volume and congestion in the project area of I-10 has increased because of population growth and an improved economy in the area. Continued population growth is expected to create even more traffic in the I-10 corridor. I-10 improvements and collector-distributor lanes were planned to help meet the needs of increased traffic. The improvements are designed to increase capacity while improving traffic flow and reducing accidents. Also, with the collector-distributor lanes in place, weaving movements will be minimized, enhancing safety on I-10 main lanes. Lane, Ramp Closures Motorists can expect various lane and ramp closures, speed limit reductions in work zones and designation of temporary on-ramps and off-ramps. Complete closure of I-10 will be necessary at times for major construction events like placing of structural beams, pouring of bridge decks and the demolition of bridges. Major I-10 closures are limited to nights and Sundays. TxDOT will notify motorists of lane and ramp closures and detours through websites, Twitter and news releases. The project has a public relations component that considers concerns of the local community.
Go 10 Ties to Border West Expressway Project The nearby Border West Expressway project also is under construction. Through new ramps, I-10 will connect with Paisano Drive (U.S. 85) and the Border West Expressway. The new direct connection will be located just east of the Sunland Park overpass. Contractors from both projects are coordinating construction schedules and road closures to mitigate traffic conflicts. When completed, the Border West Expressway will be a toll managed expressway and an alternative roadway for eastbound and westbound commuters. Project on Schedule Grupo Tradeco, a Mexican construction company, voluntarily defaulted on its contract and walked away from the Go 10 project in June 2015. Tradeco’s action was prompted by problems related to other projects it had outside of El Paso. Despite the contract being defaulted, the project is on target to meet or beat its original completion date of April 2019. Potential delays were managed early in the contract to place the project back on schedule. And Go 10 remains on budget. Planners implemented cost saving measures where possible, while maintaining the original integrity of the project. Partnering and teamwork helped in that effort. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.) CEG
Interstate 10 in El Paso will add 5.75 mi. of collector-distributor lanes from North Mesa Street to Executive Center Boulevard as part of a $158-million project called “Go 10.”
Go 10’s purpose is to improve traffic flow, vehicle capacity and safety along the much-used portion of I-10.
Page 16 • August 20, 2017 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Randy Harris...
Holland’s Refurbished Pump Offerings CraneWorks Hires Save Customers Lead Time, Money Specialist to Meet Increased Demand
Holland Pump Company was originally founded in 1978 “I have well over a hundred units that can be repowered. as Holland Pump Mfg. Inc. Headquartered in West Palm When we repower a unit, I can take it back to bare metal, Beach, Holland has rental/sales/service offices throughout sandblast as needed, re-prime and re-paint, then build back Florida and in South Carolina but sells both nationally and up the unit with a new engine and radiator, new wiring, new internationally. The company is launching Latin-American control panel. We can save the customer a lot of lead-time and Brazilian websites to promote pump sales throughout and money,” said Blodgett. “Also, all of our standard unit the region. integral fuel tanks are sized to supply 60 hours of run time. Holland Pump manufactures, sells, rents and services Typically, this means you can fuel the unit Friday night and pumps and accessories. These pumps are both engine driven come back Monday morning and the unit is still running. A and electrically driven and are available with a wide variety smaller sized fuel tank runs out of fuel, clogs up the fuel filof options such as sound attenuation, controls including ter, and then the operator may even run the battery down in telemetry monitoring, GPS and remote auto start/ stop and their attempt to get the unit back up and running.” accessories. In addition, Holland is a distributor and OEM of Blodgett said Holland Pump can still provide Tier III / Tier many products and offers a large variety of hoses, fittings, IV interim packages because the company can still Flex, engine parts, pump parts. which is a significant advantage. “Holland Pump has been a small manufacturer for almost “John Deere just announced that the last order date for 40 years,” said Win Blodgett, president of Holland Pump. Tier III engines over 175 horsepower will be August 15. “Initially we specialized in hydraulically driven submersible There will be no order taken for FLEX engines over 175 hp pumps which we both design and manufacture. after that date. The cost of a large engine might increase by “Over time, we became a custom assembler of not only 70 percent. So the time to repower your equipment or buy is hydraulic pump systems but also positive displacement now. Soon, rental prices will have to increase dramatically rotary pump packages, engine and frame mounted centrifu- because the input costs are escalating dramatically. These gal pumps and axial flow pumps,” said Blodgett. engines typically take up a lot more space because of the “In addition to being a small manufacturer, we are a leading regional pump rental company. What has set us apart from other companies is our service capabilities and application know-how,” said Blodgett. Holland Pump’s average employee has 10 years of service and the company has a significant number with between 20 and 37 years of tenure. Holland Pump also is the exclusive distributor of six product lines offered by Selwood Pumps (manufactured in England) for Florida, Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, Virginia and Delaware, according to Blodgett. He said Selwood makes diaphragm primed pumps up to 100CFM.” “During the Great Recession we sold off a lot of equipment but we still have a lot of extra Holland Pump manufactures hydraulically driven pumps (HDS) equipment and have kept a large number of from 2 to 30 in., axial flow pumps to 55,000 GPM, jet pump from 4 units that can be repowered,” said Blodgett. to 8 in., prime-assisted suction lift pumps from 3 to 18 in. and Typically, skids and trailers are very robust rotary lobe wellpoint pump packages from 4 to 12 in. and are made out of 3/16 and ¼ in. (.47 and .6 cm) steel plate. after-treatment components so the skid/trailer also becomes “Our equipment is built like a tank and built to last. In our larger. And if the customer is interested in sound-attenuated own rental fleet we have units that have been repowered with equipment they will also see increases in the cost of encloa new engine three or more times,” said Blodgett. sures because the overall footprint of the package is also largHolland Pump Company also has a large supply of factory er.” refurbished hydraulically driven submersible pumps from 4 Blodgett said Holland still has a lot of Flex credits left so to 30 in. (10 to 76 cm) available to purchase. The pumps the company can legally provide older Tier models at a lower come with a same as new warranty. cost. “Prior to 2007, most distributors carried a lot of inventory. “The time to buy is now. We also have over 30 new wet Business was great for everybody. I could order an engine ends in stock and over 20 finished powder-coated aluminum and get in within two days. Now, although it is steadily enclosures in stock,” said Blodgett. improving, most manufacturers are a lot more cautious with For more information, call 800/451-0769 or visit ordering. Lead-times have increased and we may have to www.hollandpump.com wait weeks for critical components. Prices have also risen (This story also can be found on Construction very significantly especially for steel and engines,” said Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipBlodgett. mentguide.com.)
CraneWorks announces Randy Harris as the company’s new large crane sales specialist.
CraneWorks is one of the fastest-growing crane dealers in North America. One change fueling the company’s expansion is the increase in demand for large cranes like all terrain and rough terrain models from Demag and Terex. To better accommodate this demand, CraneWorks announces Randy Harris as the company’s new large crane sales specialist. Harris brought his talents to the crane industry almost 20 years ago, after a decade of sales and management experience in another industry. While he is knowledgeable with all types of cranes, his experience with larger-capacity mobile cranes is unparalleled, having sold units across America with capacities of more than 1,000 tons, according to the company. Harris’ base of operations will be in central Texas, an ideal location to serve the oil and gas companies along the Gulf Coast and within the Permian Basin. As upstream companies recover from the industry’s recent slump, an increasing number have requested large cranes from CraneWorks, including multiple Demag AC 100-4L cranes and the new Demag AC 220-5. “It’s not often that you find someone like Randy whose skill set is so perfect for the job,” said Keith Ayers, CEO of CraneWorks. “Customer interest in large cranes is up so much that we knew we’d need a dedicated specialist soon for this market. With Randy’s deep knowledge, it was an easy decision to bring him on board.” For more information, visit Crane-Works.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 20, 2017 • Page 17
PRIME EQUIP SOLUTIONS 505 Rankin Road Houston, TX 77073 281-443-7667 www.primeequipsolutions.com
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Page 18 • August 20, 2017 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Texas State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Construction Equipment Guide • Texas State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • August 20, 2017 • Page 19
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Longview, TX 903-758-5576
939 Hawkins Boulevard El Paso, TX 79915 915-772-0613
San Antonio Main Branch Dallas/Ft. Worth Branch 21910 FM 2252 1819 Lacy Dr. Schertz, TX 78154 Ft. Worth, TX 76177 210-732-2131 817-708-9108
Austin Branch 13800 FM 973 N Manor, TX 78653 512-272-8200
Page 20 • August 20, 2017 • 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?
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DALLAS 2449 Manana Dr. Dallas, TX 75220 Ph: (214) 734-2361
FORT WORTH 10505 North Freeway Fort Worth, TX 76177 Ph: (817) 847-5894
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