NTTA considers largest, first design-build contract to construct Phase 4 of State Highway 161

by PegNews wire

At its System Projects and Operations meeting on August 10, the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) advanced its largest single contract to date to be considered by the full board of directors, in the amount of $414,154,692, in order to construct Phase 4 of State Highway 161.

PrairieLink Constructors, a team composed of Fluor EPCM Services and Balfour Beatty Construction, was determined to have provided the "apparent best value."

Phase 4 of SH 161 is a 6.5 mile stretch of roadway from North Carrier Parkway to I-20. Phase 4 will include the main lanes north of IH 30 to IH 20, the interchange at IH 30 and the interchange at IH 20. It is expected to open in the third quarter of 2012.

Phase 4 marks the first time the NTTA will use the design-build delivery method, rather than the design-bid-build delivery method. Design-build saves time by allowing construction to begin before design is complete and reduces risk by establishing a single point of contact for quality, cost and schedule. Because there is only a single point of contact, the contractor assumes a higher level of risk for the project, as they are solely responsible and liable for all phases of the project. NTTA staff and consultants will closely oversee the project for compliance.

The contract award is the latest development on the SH 161 project, which consists of the following phases:

Phase 1 - Mainlane interchange at SH 183 and service roads form N. Carrier Parkway to IH 20; Substantially complete and open to traffic. Constructed by TxDOT.

Phase 2 - Northbound mainlanes and frontage roads from SH 183 to North Carrier Parkway. Currently under construction and will open by the third quarter of 2009. Constructed by TxDOT with toll gantries constructed by the NTTA. Toll collection, maintenance and safety provided by NTTA.

Phase 3 - Remaining portions of service roads and southbound mainlanes from SH 183 to North Carrier Parkway; currently under construction and will open by the fourth quarter of 2010. Constructed by TxDOT with toll gantries constructed by the NTTA. Toll collection, maintenance and safety provided by NTTA.

Phase 4 - Mainlanes from North Carrier Parkway to IH 20. Scheduled to open the third quarter of 2012.

The SH 161 corridor project will result in a new, approximately 11.5-mile link in the growing loop around Dallas connecting to the President George Bush Turnpike. TxDOT initiated the project in 1969 and is finalizing an agreement with the NTTA to complete the corridor as a toll road.

For more information on SH 161 or other NTTA projects, visit the website.

Source: NTTA