VRX provided successful construction management/inspection services for both Phases 1 and 2 of this $30 million highway overpass improvement project that included modifications to the north- and southbound Sam Rayburn Tollway frontage roads and construction of a new overpass and elevated ramps at Grandscape Boulevard and South Colony Boulevard.

This complex project had a highly expedited schedule as well as an unforgiving, non-negotiable open-to-traffic deadline. The project was significant because it provides a vital connection to a popular 433-acre development anchored by Nebraska Furniture Mart of Texas. It also has the distinction of being the first diverging diamond interchange (DDI) built entirely on a bridge structure in Texas.

For this “local let” TxDOT contract, VRX acted on behalf of the City of The Colony to verify that all construction work was properly performed. Prior to construction, VRX perfomed a “constructability review,” which included an extensive review of the traffic control plans and specifications. Through this review, VRX identified more than $100,000 in cost savings for the City of The Colony and ensured the construction would be safer amid and over active traffic.

VRX inspectors provided inspection of bridge structures, retaining walls, large overhead sign structures, small signs, drainage, utility relocations, traffic signal improvements, street lights, pavement marking, and roadway improvements within TxDOT and city right of way. We also provided daily coordination with the city, contractor, project stakeholders TxDOT and NTTA, as well as utilities and adjacent developments.

VRX was instrumental in ensuring fabricated materials were inspected. Our traffic control plan recommendations improved safety for construction workers and the traveling public and helped attain early milestone completion and on-time overall project completion. We managed all materials testing and acceptance; reviewed the contractor’s submittals, RFIs and project correspondence; and reviewed/approved the baseline schedule as well as the monthly updates. We conducted weekly project progress update meetings with all stakeholders and prepared/approved monthly contractor pay estimates.

The VRX team used partnering meetings and open communication to work with the contractor to meet the expedited schedule. A project of this magnitude usually takes about two years to construct on an expedited schedule. VRX achieved successful construction and met the mandatory open-to-traffic date in only one year and five months – an engineering and project management feat.