la Frontera In the News

Press Release

June 30, 2003

Construction contract for Loop 1 extension awarded

AUSTIN – Better access between Mopac (Loop 1) and I-35 moved a step closer today with approval of a $107 million construction contract by the Texas Transportation Commission.

The multi-million dollar contract for the Loop 1 extension will provide a direct connection, via the SH 45 North toll road, to I-35 at existing FM 1325 (see attached map).

The new contract includes a 3.5 mile extension from Parmer Lane to the future SH 45/Loop 1 interchange, which is already under construction.

Construction will include a six-lane roadway with limited frontage roads. To accommodate toll collections, a toll plaza also will be constructed with three express lanes and eight toll booths in each direction.

The contract was awarded to Zachry Construction Corporation/Gilbert Construction, joint venture partners, which submitted a bid 18.3 percent below the estimated cost ($132.2 million).

Construction of the Loop 1 extension is expected to begin in early fall. It is scheduled to be open by September 2007.

To help ensure timely completion of this section, incentive options were included in the contract. The contractor will receive a one-time bonus of $2 million if the project is completed by July 14, 2006. If the early completion date is not met but the project is completed before the scheduled opening, the contractor will receive an incentive of $14,000 for each day that it is early, for a maximum of 75 days.

To discourage delay, the contractor will be charged $31, 900 a day if the project is not completed by the scheduled opening date.

Also, to minimize any inconvenience to motorists, the contractor will be charged a fee for closing travel lanes on Loop 1 and FM 1325. If lanes are closed, a fee will be assessed based on the number of lanes closed, length of time, and time of day for the closures.

The Loop 1 extension is part of the Central Texas Turnpike Project, which also includes the SH 45 North and the northern 49 miles of SH 130. The entire turnpike project is scheduled for completion by December 2007.

Additional details are available at: www.dot.state.tx.us/txdotnews/063-2003.htm.

CTTP Quarterly Construction Report: www.TexasTollways.com/tta/quarterly_reports.asp

Additional construction contracts for the turnpike project are scheduled to be awarded later this year.