VRX, Inc. received a CMAA North Texas 2016 Project Achievement Award for providing successful construction management and inspection services for the South Colony Boulevard Overpass Project in The Colony. This complex $30-million project included a highly expedited schedule and an unforgiving, non-negotiable open-to-traffic date.
For this “local let” Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) contract, VRX acted on behalf of the City of The Colony to verify that all construction work was properly performed. The project is noteworthy for two reasons: First, it provides a vital connection to a highly popular 433-acre development anchored by Nebraska Furniture Mart. Second, this project is historically relevant because it is the first diverging diamond interchange (DDI) built entirely on a bridge structure in Texas. A DDI allows motorists to turn left freely. Because the driving public doesn’t have to wait for oncoming traffic before turning left, the green traffic lights remain lit longer, moving more vehicles and reducing congestion.
The VRX Team, led by Project Manager Pete Garza, PE, 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. In addition, prior to the start of construction, VRX performed value-added pre-construction services including a constructability review and an analysis of the traffic control plan. VRX’s recommended changes resulted in more than $100,000+ in cost savings to the City of The Colony while also ensuring safer operations over active traffic.
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