Balfour Beatty secures a substantial contract to rejuvenate a key US transport link, highlighting its engineering prowess.
- The $746 million deal involves enhancing a 4km segment of Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas, aiming to improve city connectivity.
- Plans include constructing eight lanes, new intersections, and a bridge over Lady Bird Lake, requiring complex marine engineering.
- The project is part of a broader initiative by Texas Department of Transportation, slated to begin next year and conclude in 2033.
- Balfour Beatty continues its strategic expansion in the US market, emphasising long-term partnerships and selective bidding.
Balfour Beatty has been awarded a significant $746 million (£575 million) contract to upgrade a crucial section of the iconic Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas. This ambitious project will enhance a 4km stretch of this vital transport artery, greatly boosting connectivity for the estimated 200,000 daily commuters who use this route.
The planned upgrades are extensive. Eight running lanes will be constructed to facilitate smoother traffic flow, alongside a major new intersection and numerous improved access roads. Of particular note is the complex engineering feat of building a new bridge over Lady Bird Lake, replacing an outdated 1950s structure. This construction will be undertaken from a barge, showcasing Balfour Beatty’s marine engineering expertise and experience.
Additionally, the project includes the development of a new bridge and intersection at Riverside Drive, designed to accommodate a planned light rail line in the future. This aspect of the project demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban planning and transport infrastructure.
Balfour Beatty’s group chief executive, Leo Quinn, stated that this contract award underscores the company’s leading civil engineering capabilities. He emphasised their strategic approach to selective bidding, leveraging strengths to partner with long-standing customers in regions where they have demonstrated expertise and established strong team and supply chain connections.
Construction is set to commence in the first half of the coming year with a completion target of 2033. At its peak, the project will directly employ over 150 personnel, contributing significantly to the local economy and workforce. This initiative is a key component of the Texas Department of Transportation’s I-35 Capital Express Central programme.
In related developments, Balfour Beatty continues to expand its operations in the United States. The firm’s subsidiary, Howard S. Wright, has been tasked with a number of renovation projects in the David Douglas School District in Portland, Oregon, with a total investment of $15.7 million (£12.1 million) for repairs and renovations across several educational facilities.
Moreover, the recent appointment of Louise Haining as managing director of Balfour Beatty’s Connect Plus Services division in the UK further strengthens the company’s leadership. Her role includes overseeing M25 operations, drawing from her previous experience with major infrastructure organisations such as Costain, the Environment Agency, and National Highways.
Balfour Beatty’s latest contract reinforces its stature as a leader in civil engineering, affirming its commitment to strategic growth in the US.
