VRX has been winning awards since we opened our doors. We provide client-oriented engineering solutions, always on time and within budget – and we are honored our work has been recognized by our peers. A sampling of our major awards:

VRX, Inc. Wins 2023 ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Award for Construction Management of TxDOT San Antonio US 281 Segment 1 CEI Project

Congratulations to our ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Award-winning TxDOT San Antonio US 281 Segment 1 CEI team, led by PM Praxedis “Pete” Garza, PE. VRX won a Silver Medal for our comprehensive construction management of US 281 Segment 1, a $216M highway construction project — the largest let in the San Antonio District at the time. VRX served as the prime provider on this urban transportation project, which was a testament to the exceptional collaboration between VRX, owner TxDOT San Antonio, and prime contractor Webber, Inc. This highway construction project met its substantial completion milestone more than 100 days ahead of schedule, despite hundreds of unforeseen issues documented by VRX (~650 RFIs) and the Contractor (~350 RFIs) as well as 40 change orders that revised 900+ plan sheets. US 281 Segment 1 had a complex traffic control plan with more than 100 traffic switches, 273K SY of concrete pavement, and 45 retaining walls. Congratulations to everyone in our San Antonio office and throughout the firm who has worked so very hard on this noteworthy project!

VRX, Inc. Wins 2022 CMAA North Texas Award for Comprehensive Construction Management of TxDOT San Antonio US 281 Segment 1

VRX is honored to have been recognized with a 2022 CMAA North Texas Project Achievement Award for our comprehensive construction management, construction inspection, utility engineering, and environmental services on US 281 Segment 1. Our project won in the “Transportation over $200M” category. US 281 Segment 1 in San Antonio is a complex, urban heavy highway project with a construction value of $216M. At the time of its letting in 2017, the 4-mile US 281 Segment 1 was the largest bid-build project in TxDOT San Antonio District history. Project Manager Pete Garza, PE, led our comprehensive Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) services. VRX services include environmental compliance (Task Leader Eric Huff), utility engineering/utility construction verification (Task Leader Jon King, PE), resident engineer (Task Leader Carlos Ayala, PE), record keeping, DBE compliance, and construction inspection. Congratulations to our team for being recognized for their outstanding work!

VRX, Inc. Wins 2021 LUNA Established A/E/C Firm of the Year

VRX is excited and proud to have been recognized with a 2021 LUNA Established A/E/C Firm of the Year award in December 2021. The recognition, awarded by the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA), honors a woman-owned company in architecture, engineering, or construction that has exhibited exemplary performance, taken significant risks, demonstrated innovation and trendsetting, and exhibited growth. VRX is honored by this recognition, and thankful to our partner firms and agencies who nominated us and provided letters of support for this award.

VRX, Inc. Wins 2019 CMAA North Texas Award for Environmental Services on TEXRail as a Subconsultant to the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC)

VRX received a 2019 CMAA North Texas Award for Program Management after providing environmental management for the 27.2-mile TEXRail project, a new light rail service extending from downtown Fort Worth, through 6 cities, to DFW Airport. VRX’s client was the TEXRail CM/GC, an Archer Western-Herzog (AWH) Joint Venture. Our services included performing constructability reviews of 60%, 95%, and final engineering plan sets, developing the project’s Environmental Control Plan, and providing environmental monitoring throughout the expedited 2-year construction period.

When construction of the new TEXRail bridge over the West Fork Trinity River hit a snag that threatened to delay the expedited schedule, VRX worked with AWH to swiftly devise a proposed solution that would be the quickest, most cost-effective way to build the rail bridge while minimizing impacts to the natural environment. The River at this location is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control project, managed by the Tarrant Regional Water District, and often is used by local residents for recreation. VRX managed and provided oversight of revisions to the USACE Section 408 Permission, USACE Section 404 permit, freshwater mussel surveys and relocations, and an intensive sediment monitoring program — all associated with changes to optimize construction methods. TEXRail was delivered on time without environmental issues, violations, or delays.

VRX, Inc. Architect Kathleen Lunson Receives Lifetime Achievement Award during 2019 RHCA Luna Awards

Congratulations to Kathleen Lunson, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, for receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2018 RHCA Luna Awards! She was honored for practicing architecture for nearly 40 years focused on her clients’ needs while mastering a diverse group of building types. She has managed $250M+ projects while maintaining an active volunteer presence in the community, raising a son as a single mother, and making a notable difference in the lives of younger colleagues whom she mentors. Ms. Lunson is a Richardson, Texas, native and an honor graduate of J.J. Pearce High School. She earned her BA in Architecture from the University of Arkansas (one of only five women in her class) and her Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin.

The Luna Awards celebrates the achievements of individuals and companies with a vision for women in the architecture, engineering and construction industry by encouraging, promoting and developing women at all levels in these industries. In addition, the event directly contributes to the academic success of young women who are currently pursuing their college education.

VRX, Inc. Wins 2018 ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Gold Medal & an ACEC National Recognition for TxDOT 35Express

Congrats to the mighty VRX, Inc. Environmental Department on winning a 2018 ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Gold Medal for the group’s outstanding environmental compliance work on TxDOT 35Express (IH 35E) Segment 3 over Lewisville Lake. Following the Texas award, VRX also won an ACEC National Recognition for this project.

Congrats to Environmental Manager Eric Huff  (pictured third from right) as well as Cy Reichert (at left),  Joel Cantu (second from left), Nathanael Suttle, (third from left), Kyle Hill (middle) and VRX President Noelle Ibrahim, PE  (not pictured).

The $1.4B TxDOT 35Express project added capacity to relieve congestion on 30 miles of IH 35E through 8 cities and 2 counties. Segment 3 involved constructing a bridge over Lewisville Lake during severe flooding. VRX provided successful environmental compliance management/inspection, natural resource management, and environmental training, among other services.

VRX used construction materials to make devices to protect fish, turtles, and other creatures from harm during dewatering. VRX devised an on-site mitigation plan that preserved 3+ acres of Post Oaks, and augmented a walking trail with 1,281 native trees and new butterfly habitat. VRX developed a decontamination plan and training to stop invasive zebra mussels. VRX was on alert about potential environmental issues from the flooding and provided diligent environmental compliance throughout the project.

VRX, Inc. Wins Silver Medal in 2018 ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Awards Competition

VRX, Inc., along with partners Faithful + Gould and JLA Construction Solutions, was honored to receive a Silver Medal in the 2018 ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Awards Competition for our delivery of United Airlines’ IAH New Terminal C North Project in Houston, Texas. VRX managed the $85M ramp, fueling, and utilities portion of the project on behalf of United Airlines. F+G and JLA managed the $175M, 265,000-square-foot terminal building project.

VRX Receives an ‘Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve Patriot Award’ from Texas ESGR

Texas ESGR Area 10 Volunteer Phung Tran presented an “Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award” to Eric Huff, Vice President and Environmental Manager at VRX, Inc. on Feb. 15, 2018. Nathanael Suttle, an Army National Guard Soldier and VRX Environmental Scientist, nominated Mr. Huff for being “extremely supportive of his time in the military.” Read more here.

VRX, Inc. & Partners Win CMAA North Texas 2017 Project Achievement Award for New Terminal C North at IAH

VRX, Inc. and partners Faithful+Gould and JLA Construction Solutions received a CMAA North Texas 2017 Project Achievement Award in the “Transportation Greater Than $100 Million” category for the successful delivery of United Airlines’ IAH New Terminal C North Project in Houston, Texas. The awards recognize outstanding achievement in the practice of construction management.

The New Terminal C North at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston was a $260M program to build an innovative 265,000-square-foot terminal that offers United Airlines’ patrons a welcoming, lavish space in which to enjoy their travels. The New Terminal C North program was grouped into two projects: The terminal building project (construction value of approximately $175M) was a CMAR delivery built by Manhattan Construction Company and managed by Faithful+Gould/JLA Construction Solutions on behalf of United Airlines. The ramp (24 acres of apron concrete paving), fueling and utilities project (construction value of approximately $85M) was also a CMAR delivery built by Manhattan Construction Company and managed by VRX, Inc. on behalf of United Airlines and funded by the Houston Airport System.

The project – which took more than 1.25M man-hours to complete — features modern stylings; unique lighting designs; lounge areas with regional chef-inspired restaurants; groups of tables with built-in iPads; and world-class shops amid sweeping floor-to-ceiling concourse windows. The team’s construction of the terminal building was delivered under budget by approximately $1.2M. The project team ensured that fueling operations remained uninterrupted throughout the project’s duration, overcoming unique schedule challenges to do so.

VRX Receives 2017 ENR Regional Best Projects Award for Work on United Airlines’ New Terminal C North at Houston Intercontinental Airport

VRX was the prime program manager for the $85M ramp, fueling and utilities portion of the massive project that added a new state-of-the-art terminal at IAH. Pictured here accepting VRX’s award are (right to left) VRX President Noelle Ibrahim, PE; Program Manager Dominick Trupia, PE; Robert Chapa; and Brett Bobo, PE.

VRX Wins Two Prestigious Awards for South Colony Boulevard Overpass at Sam Rayburn Tollway Project: Silver Medal in the 2017 ACEC Texas Engineering Excellence Awards Contest and a 2016 CMAA North Texas Chapter Project Achievement Award (Transportation, less than $50 million category)

VRX, Inc. provided successful construction management and inspection services for the South Colony Boulevard Overpass Project in The Colony, a complex $30-million project with a highly expedited schedule and an unforgiving, non-negotiable open-to-traffic date. 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. The project is noteworthy for two reasons: It provides a vital connection to a highly popular 433-acre development anchored by Nebraska Furniture Mart. In addition, it is the first diverging diamond interchange (DDI) built entirely on a bridge structure in Texas. 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.

2016 Association of General Contractors of America “Best Design-Build Project of the Year” (Civil Category), LBJ Express

VRX’s environmental compliance staff members have been part of the Ferrovial Agroman/Trinity Infrastructure Environmental Team on LBJ Express, which was awarded the Best Design-Build Project (civil category) by the Associated General Contractors of America during AGC’s national convention in March 2016. The LBJ Express is a $2.1 billion redevelopment of 17 miles of Interstate Highway 635 and Interstate Highway 35E in Dallas. VRX provided environmental services during both the design and construction phases. Our work included hazardous material management responsibilities; environmental coordination with TxDOT; preparation of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nationwide permit preconstruction notifications and mitigation plans; as well as daily inspections of construction work to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Christopher Tolar, LBJ Express Design and Construction Environmental Manager, thanked VRX and other environmental partners for “the priceless support” to complete the project with no environmental violations, fines or penalties.

ENR’s 4th Annual Global Best Project: Road/Highway, LBJ Express

In July 2016, LBJ Express was awarded Global Best Project: Road/Highway in ENR’s 4^th annual Global Best Projects competition, which honors outstanding design and construction efforts around the world. Read more here.

Women Builders Council (WBC) 2016 Outstanding Woman Award Recipient

VRX President & CEO Noelle Ibrahim, PE, received a WBC award in May 2016 in honor of her commitment to increasing diversity and the role of women in the construction and professional services industries. Noelle received the award during a celebration in New York. Other honorees included Matilda Raffa Cuomo, who received a lifetime achievement award. Read more here.

2014 Texas APWA Public Works Project of the Year – Dallas North Tollway Southbound Bridge Deck Repair, Hydrodemolition

This award recognizes excellence in the management and administration of public works projects. After years of heavy traffic (more than 18,000 vehicles per day on this area), the concrete on the bridge deck began to show significant wear. Traditional methods of concrete replacement would require the bridge be closed three to four months to allow the old concrete to be chipped out and new concrete poured and cured. Due to the need to repair the concrete, and not the structure itself, NTTA decided to try an alternative method. New to Texas and NTTA, hydrodemolition uses high-velocity water jets to remove deteriorated concrete in a more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient way. Hydrodemolition is now the organization’s preferred method for all main lane bridge deck repairs. http://www.drivingnorthtexas.com/ntta-maintenance-wins-three-awards/

2013 Globe Award, LBJ Express Project, Transportation Development Foundation

For outstanding efforts in maintaining environmental protection and standards throughout each phase of construction. The 17-mile LBJ Express Project in Dallas encompasses improvements along I-635 from Luna Road to Greenville Avenue, as well as on I-35E between Loop 12 and Valwood Parkway. When complete in late 2015, the LBJ Express will dramatically increase the capacity of the current roadway and reduce traffic congestion with 13 miles of new TEXpress Lanes. The LBJ Express is a collaborative project of the Texas Department of Transportation and the LBJ Infrastructure Group LLC, comprised of Cintra US, Meridiam Infrastructure and the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System. The contractor for the project is Trinity Infrastructure, LLC, comprised of Ferrovial Agroman and Texas-based Webber. http://www.lbjtexpress.com/news-and-resources/newsroom/press-releases/lbj-express-project-honored-artba-globe-award

2010 & 2011 APWA Public Works Project of the Year Emergency Repair Project less than $2M (President George Bush Turnpike Wall 301 Emergency Repair), Texas Chapter, American Public Works Association & American Public Works Association

On Jan. 31, 2010, retaining wall 301 located on the north side of the westbound main lanes near Kelly Boulevard moved laterally approximately 5.2 feet. This movement towards the main lanes of traffic caused the shoulder pavement to heave approximately three feet upward. NTTA’s Maintenance Department immediately mobilized a response plan to stabilize the wall and the retained zone which provided the foundation for the frontage road lanes. The project included excavating 15,200 cubic yards of Eagle Ford clay, removing 66 mechanically stabilized earth wall panels and 38 pieces of retaining wall coping, and installing 578 soil nails and 326 cubic yards of shotcrete on a five- to six-inch-thick wall. All work occurred while keeping the main lanes of traffic open at the base of the wall and the frontage road lanes open at the top of the wall. Two particular innovations utilized on this project are worthy of note. The first was long-reach loaders which were utilized for excavation from the frontage road above the construction site, minimizing the impacts to traffic along the main lanes of the PGBT. The second innovation is in the use of soil-nailed retaining walls to ensure the stability of the frontage road. Soil-nailed retaining walls, also known as “soil nailing,” are a well-established construction technique in which nearly vertical soil slopes, excavations or retaining walls are stabilized or reinforced to prevent their collapse. Steel reinforcing bars are inserted into horizontal, pre-drilled holes that are sloped at a slight downward inclination, and the holes are filled with concrete grout. The soil-nailed retaining wall derives its strength from these closely-spaced grouted steel reinforcing bars (the soil nails) and their resistance to being pulled out of the soil into which they are drilled. A rigid or flexible facing is applied to the soil face, often pneumatically applied concrete sometimes known as shotcrete. In the case of the subject emergency project, the soil-nailed retaining wall was designed for an approximately one year service life to support the upper frontage roads carrying local traffic. The strength of this wall was verified by materials testing during construction, and its stability continues to be monitored through the use of LiDAR surveying. http://www.apwa.net/Media/2011/7/5/2011-Public-Works-Projects-of-the-Year-Announced#GeorgeBushTurnpike

Additional noteworthy VRX, Inc. awards:

• 2014 Proclamation issued to VRX from the Office of the Mayor of the City of Dallas
• 2014 and 2013, SAME, Dallas Post, Robert B. Flowers Small Business Award
• 2013 Anchin Award, Outstanding MWBE Engineering Firm
• 2013 Proclamation issued to VRX from the Office of the Mayor of New York City
• 2012 Finalist, LUNA Awards – Established Construction Firm (Regional Hispanic Contractors Association)