Transportation

Location

Amarillo, TX

Owner

Texas DoT

Contractor

Gilbert Texas Construction, L.P.

Value

$35 million

In April 1999, the Texas Department of Transportation hired Gilbert Texas Construction, L.P., a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, to develop a 41-month reconstruction plan for the I-40/I-27 Interchange. This $35 million project required the reconstruction and widening of nearly 1.5 mi. of roadway, spanning the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) train yard, without disrupting rail traffic.

One of three bridges to be replaced, the BNSF overpass, posed numerous challenges due to its location over more than 20 active railroad tracks. Crews and machinery were not allowed on the tracks running beneath the bridge. While closely coordinating with rail traffic, personnel saw cut the deck and dealt with removal from above. Using an excavator and cutting the deck into 8-ft. by 16-ft. slabs, debris was loaded onto trucks for removal.

With over 80 trains a day coming through the yard, delays were common while working over the tracks. The project team overcame these delays through careful scheduling and by building solid relationships with BNSF personnel.

The project involved 30,000 sq. yd. of concrete paving; over 6,500 ft. of drain pipe; elevating I-40 to span I-27; re-grading 10 on/off ramps within the interchange vicinity; and widening both eastbound and westbound I-40 from two lanes in each direction to three lanes. The fast-track schedule was reduced to 33 months, benefiting more than 100,000 motorists per day.