Balfour Beatty has received a £575 million contract to significantly upgrade a section of Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas.
- The project, awarded by the Texas Department of Transportation, covers a 4km stretch on the city’s southern edge.
- Plans include the construction of eight general-purpose lanes and a significant new intersection.
- A bridge will be built over Lady Bird Lake, modernising the infrastructure with sophisticated engineering techniques.
- The work is part of a larger initiative, aiming to improve road capacity and connectivity for 200,000 daily commuters.
Balfour Beatty has been tasked with a considerable £575 million contract by the Texas Department of Transportation to revamp a crucial segment of the Interstate 35 (I-35) in Austin, Texas. The project focuses on revitalising a 4-kilometre section positioned on the southern boundary of downtown Austin. This ambitious endeavour signifies a substantial commitment to improving the existing infrastructure and accommodating future demands.
The outlined improvements include the addition of eight general-purpose lanes, which are intended to enhance traffic flow within the area significantly. Furthermore, the project envisions a major new intersection and several upgraded access roads, which are expected to facilitate better vehicular movement and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Part of this redevelopment involves the construction of a new bridge over Lady Bird Lake, situated on the Colorado River. This modern structure will replace an older bridge erected in 1956. The engineering approach is notably advanced, as parts of the construction will be executed from a barge due to the aquatic environment involved. Such methods underscore the project’s forward-thinking strategies in civil engineering.
Additional planned developments feature the creation of a bridge and an innovative intersection at Riverside Drive. These are strategically designed to accommodate a proposed light rail line, which forms part of a broader strategy to enhance public transportation options across Central Texas.
The project aligns with the broader I-35 Capital Express Central initiative, which seeks to increase road capacity and connectivity for approximately 200,000 daily commuters. Construction is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2025, with the completion aimed for 2033. During the height of construction activities, it is anticipated that over 150 workers will be directly engaged in the project.
Balfour Beatty’s involvement in this transformative project highlights its civil engineering expertise and long-term relationship with the Texas Department of Transportation.
