NTTA Awards Largest, First Design-Build Contract

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

“The size and scope, as well as the method of delivery of this contract, are signs that the NTTA and its regional partners are successfully utilizing innovative methods to deliver projects to the region,” said NTTA Executive Director Allen Clemson. “SH 161 could not have been advanced if it were not for the efforts of the Regional Transportation Council and the Texas Department of Transportation.”

Phase 4 of SH 161 is a 6.5-mile stretch of roadway from North Carrier Parkway to Interstate Highway 20 (IH 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. This segment is expected to open in the third quarter of 2012.

This contract 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.

In cooperation with the NTTA Business Diversity Department, a goal was established at the outset of the procurement of 16 percent.  PrairieLink has committed to meeting or exceeding 18 percent on design and 16 percent on construction.  This equates to approximately $66 million for business diversity.  NTTA staff and consultants will closely oversee the project for compliance and provide monthly updates at regularly scheduled board meetings.

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

Phase 1 – Main lane interchange at SH 183 and service roads from North Carrier Parkway to IH 20; substantially complete and open to traffic; constructed by TxDOT.

Phase 2 – Northbound main lanes and frontage roads from SH 183 to North Carrier Parkway. Open to traffic Aug. 2, 2009. Constructed by TxDOT with toll gantries constructed by the NTTA. Toll collection, maintenance and safety services provided by the NTTA.

Phase 3 – Remaining portions of service roads and southbound main lanes 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 services provided by the NTTA.

Phase 4 – Main lanes 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.

So what happens next?

On Aug. 20, the corridor management team conducted a project financial information public hearing to disclose information such as debt financing and tolling. Meanwhile, the Phase 4 notice to proceed is anticipated in September.

Once the design-build team receives the first Phase 4 notice to proceed, a project office will be set up near the corridor site southwest of Dallas. Various technical work group meetings will begin and the design-build team will prepare its design and construction quality control plans. During this time, the design-build team also will begin submitting its designs for review and revisions over about a year’s time.

This fall, area residents should begin to see railroad construction activities between Main Street and Jefferson Street where the project crosses the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. In the spring, construction activities may begin around IH 30.

In the meantime, the NTTA will work to obtain bond financing and pay TxDOT its upfront payment.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the project and registering to receive monthly e-mail updates should visit the NTTA Web site at www.NTTA.org/AboutUs/Projects.