Texas Contractor

Dedicated to the people who make our built environment better and safer. We tell your stories and celebrate your successes.

Register with us and receive industry news and content only available to subscribers.

Subscribe
Contacts

Indianapolis, IN, USA (HQ)

903 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202

Call: (317) 423-2325

info@acppubs.com
story top image
Entergy Texas Boosts Reliability and Resiliency with $110M Upgrade to Bolivar Peninsula’s Power Grid

Aiming to improve reliability and prepare for future growth in the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, Texas, Entergy Texas has embarked on a $110 million upgrade to its energy production facilities to withstand 150 mph winds during hurricanes.

“We need more load serving capability to serve all of the growth …

story top image
Port of Corpus Christi’s Redevelopment of Operating Oil Terminal Doubles Barge Berth Capacity at Largest US Crude Oil Port

When the Port of Corpus Christi Authority (PCCA) set its sights on redeveloping one of its busiest oil terminals at Avery Point operated by multiple stakeholders, a key consideration was to find ways of minimizing disruptions to existing operations via a phased approach.

As the first phase of the project …

story top image
Vermeer and Bobcat of Buda Celebrate the Recent Opening of a New Central Texas Location for Both Equipment Brands

The grand opening of a new Vermeer and Bobcat dealership in Buda, Texas, in many ways reflects a synergy that is a growing trend in the construction industry. The two lines of equipment blend in a complementary fashion within the 12,500-square-foot sales, rental, and service facility.

It is the 14th …

story top image
Embracing Electric: Lone Star Contracting Utilizes CASE Electric Mini Excavator for Indoor Job Sites

Tackling indoor construction projects can come with challenges, from minimizing disruptions to meeting environmental regulations.

Slater Chapa, Owner of plumbing contract business, Lone Star Contracting in San Angelo, Texas, prides himself on investing in cutting-edge technology that enhances his work, maximizes time efficiency, and prevents fatigue in his crew. …

story top image
Trailblazing Women at HOLT Group Help Overcome Industry’s Labor Shortage

Amid the ongoing labor shortage affecting all construction companies, HOLT Group, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is recharging the industry’s workforce with female talent.

“We’re seeing an exciting and promising shift in our industry, as Generation Z is beginning to view the skilled trades as the viable career option …

NPK Construction Eq Inc
Your local NPK Construction Equipment Inc dealer
WPI
Kirby Smith Machinery
story top image
TxDOT Addresses Traffic Congestion in Austin with $548M I-35 Capital Express South Project

Interstate Highway 35 is the primary north/south transportation corridor in the booming Lone Star State. Its route through the center of Austin, Texas, has suffered from severe congestion for decades. To solve the issue, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) developed a …

story top image
Carroll Brothers Follow in Their Father’s Footsteps to Run Danny’s Asphalt Paving Inc.

Joe Carroll and Danny Carroll Jr. never thought about doing anything other than joining the business their father, Danny Carroll Sr., founded in 1990. Both grew up working with their dad every chance they could as he built Danny’s Asphalt Paving Inc. into one of the Permian Basin’s top …

story top image
Preserving a Strong Foundation: TACA’s 70th Annual Meeting Emphasizes Workforce Development and Economic Growth

The Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association (TACA) welcomed more than 600 attendees to its 70th Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Attendees included producer members, allied members, and all other members associated with TACA.

This year's theme was “Preserving a Strong Foundation” to …

story top image
Massman Construction Ensures Safety in Flash Flood Alley with $76M Dam Floodgate Replacement Project

“Owning a dam is like owning an old house,” said Kelly Payne, Vice President of Water Operations for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) in central Texas. “There is always something that needs a little TLC and maintenance.”

As the manager of a series of dams in what is …

story top image
Lane Construction Advances on Third Phase of $259M 183A Toll Road Extension

Responding to significant population increases in Williamson County, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) began construction in 2021 to extend the 183A toll road north to Liberty Hill, aiming to reduce congestion, improve safety, and save commuters time.

“The big growth in that area of Williamson County has …

Volvo CE
Your local Volvo Construction Equipment dealer
ASCO Equipment
Sierra Machinery
Romco Equipment Co
story top image
Texas Construction Industry Booms Alongside Workforce

As the construction sector in Texas experiences a surge in job creation, it has enjoyed a labor landscape uniquely accommodating to its growth. In many other parts of the country, labor has become a scarce commodity, but that hasn’t been an issue for the Lone Star State. The Texas labor …

story top image
From Childhood Dream to Thriving Business: Weaver Excavating & Septic Becomes One of East Texas’ Top Sitework Companies

Jeffrey Weaver discovered his calling when he was young by working for his dad’s construction business in Illinois.

“We built houses from the ground up and did all the dirt work ourselves,” Weaver recalled. “I really enjoyed it, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do for a living.” …

story top image
Final Phase of Broadway Street Project to Transform Vital Traffic Corridor in San Antonio

Now in its final phase, an extensive road project is poised to transform a critical traffic artery in San Antonio. The Broadway Street Reconstruction Project aims to revitalize the lower portion of the Broadway Street Corridor from East Houston to Interstate 35, along a vital route which connects the historic …

story top image
Inspiring the Next Generation: TxDOT, AGC of Texas, and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas Host Construction Career Day

In an effort to attract more young people to the construction industry amidst the ongoing labor shortage, the Texas Department of Transportation, Associated General Contractors of Texas, and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas collaborated on Construction Career Day, held at the Texas Fairgrounds in Dallas.

The event provided an …

story top image
Two Years of IIJA Investments Fuel Growth in Texas

In November 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act), a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure. President Joe Biden’s administration proposed this legislation to rebuild America’s roads, bridges, and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle …

Stewart-Amos
Your local Stewart-Amos dealer
Closner Equipment Co Inc
story top image
A Century of Service and Purpose: Waukesha-Pearce Industries Celebrates the Legacy of the Pearce Family

As Waukesha Pearce Industries (WPI) celebrates 100 years of serving customers in energy and construction, it is an opportunity to reflect on what it takes to survive and thrive in such demanding markets. To be clear, this is not a story about WPI’s past. This story is about the core …

story top image
Changing the Face of an Alma Mater: Skanska Executive Leaves Mark on Texas A&M University and the Next Generation of Aggies

Many Skanska employees working on the job site for the new Mays Business School Wayne Roberts ‘85 Building are no strangers to the Texas A&M University campus. Among the several alumni working on the project is Dennis Yung, Skanska USA Building’s Executive Vice President and General Manager for Houston …

story top image
TxDOT Nears Completion on Segment B of State Loop 335 in Amarillo

Located in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo is a flourishing city, with an economy that was recently labeled No. 2 in terms of growth among the top 100 midsized cities in the U.S. Recognizing the critical role infrastructure plays in achieving and maintaining economic growth, the State Loop (SL) 335 project …

story top image
TxDOT Makes Strides to Ease Congestion, Improve Safety in Houston with $259M Interchange Project

Crews have made significant headway on the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) $259 million Interstate 610 West Loop/Interstate 69 Southwest Freeway interchange project, which will reduce congestion and improve safety and mobility in Houston.

Work on the project has required innovative thinking to resolve issues. Examples include modifying temporary …

story top image
Hammett Excavation's Tech-Forward Approach Saves Time and Money on the Job Site

A pioneer in using GPS-controlled equipment, Hammett Excavation continues to embrace technology to increase production and document progress on the job.

“Technology has changed us into what we are today,” said Gaylon Hammett, CEO of Hammett Excavation in Dodd City, Texas, explaining how the firm has expanded.

In addition …

Takeuchi Mfg Ltd
Your local Takeuchi Mfg Ltd dealer
Kirby Smith Machinery
Nueces Power Equipment
story top image
Built from the Ground Up: JH Contracting Owner and Staff Grow Full-Service Earthmoving Firm with Support from Kirby-Smith Machinery

Jordan Holy, Owner/President of JH Contracting LLC, could have gone one of two directions after graduating from Sam Houston State University with degrees in criminal justice and construction management. He chose the latter, combining the knowledge he gained in college with the years of in-field, hands-on experience he …

story top image
2024 Texas Construction Industry Forecast

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is expected to become very active contracting projects statewide, in both urban and rural areas. Thanks to funding from the 2023 Texas State House Bill 1, the 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), and the Federal Highway Administration, TxDOT will have the ability to increase …

story top image
First Phase of UT Dallas Arts and Performance Complex Nearing Finish Line

The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) will soon unveil the first phase of its arts and performance complex — a cultural hub for the sharing of knowledge and ideas. The complex sits on 12 acres of the school’s campus, creating a new gateway to the university.

“We want …

story top image
Highlights from Texas CECON 2023: A Conference for the Future of the Civil Engineering Industry

This September in San Marcos, Texas, almost 500 members of the civil engineering community gathered to celebrate the future of civil engineering at the Texas Civil Engineering Conference (CECON). The three-day event — organized by volunteers and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Texas Section staff — is the place …

story top image
Blackstar Energy Services Continues Growth in West Texas with Innovative Fueling Solutions

With increased forecasts for oil production and prices in the Permian Basin – and a continuing focus on energy independence with so much volatility in foreign markets – the ability to effectively service oil and gas operations to maintain optimal uptime is big business.

Blackstar Energy Services – based in …

Wirtgen America Inc
Your local Wirtgen America dealer
Nueces Power Equipment
Kirby Smith Machinery
story top image
TxDOT Continues Loop 360 Underpass Construction in Austin

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has embarked on a $72.1 million construction project at two Austin’s Loop 360 intersections.

“The project will improve safety and mobility at the Loop 360 intersections of Westlake Drive and Cedar Street by constructing an underpass, where the Loop 360 main lanes go under …

story top image
New Bicyclist/Pedestrian Bridge Over US 75 Connects Multiple Popular Trails in North Dallas

A much-anticipated, transformative pedestrian bridge will soon open in North Dallas – following a unique construction and placement project.

The new Northaven Trail Bridge, expected to be fully open to the public later this fall, will connect multiple popular bicycle/pedestrian trails – including the Northaven Trail, Cottonwood Creek Trail, and …

story top image
AGC of Texas Celebrates Re-Opening After Major Office Renovation

After more than two years of planning and construction, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Texas celebrated completion of their renovated office building at 300 Barton Springs Road in Austin with a ribbon cutting ceremony August 14.

Texas State Senator Robert Nichols, a long-time friend to the highway construction industry, …

story top image
$1.5B Helix Park Medical Center Brings Collaborative Life Science Research Space to Houston

Four respected healthcare entities have joined together to transform former parking lots into Helix Park, a $1.5 billion, 37-acre life science campus designed as an anchor for medicine, science, academia and commerce to develop research breakthroughs and scientific discoveries and attract a life science, biotech, and innovation economy to Houston. …

story top image
DBIA Announces Three Texas Projects as National Design-Build Project/Team Merit Award Winners

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) announces the winners of the 2023 National Design-Build Project/Team Merit Awards. A total of 62 projects from across the United States were submitted for consideration in 10 different categories. The submissions underwent evaluation by a panel of industry experts.

“With the continued growth of …

Hitachi CE
Your local Hitachi dealer
Bane Machinery
ASCO Equipment
story top image
South Star JCB Enlarges Its Texas Footprint

JCB’s newest full line service dealership, South Star JCB, celebrated the formal opening of their north Texas corporate headquarters and flagship store, to serve the some of the nation’s fastest growing communities in greater north Dallas. This new full-service facility features an extensive parts warehouse and an eight-bay …

story top image
McCarthy Building Companies Constructs Two Projects for Houston Methodist Health System

Following several renovation and smaller projects for Houston Methodist health system, employee-owned McCarthy Building Companies’ Houston office recently completed a medical office building and parking deck at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and is building the health system’s ninth inpatient, acute care facility at the new Houston Methodist Cypress …

story top image
Two Projects in Texas Win Regional America’s Transportation Awards

Two Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) projects won regional awards in the 2023 America’s Transportation Awards competition, created by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The competition recognizes state departments of transportation (DOTs) for making a difference in their …

story top image
Staying Closer to Home, Focusing on Roadwork Pays Off for Baker & Company Construction LLC

Baker & Company Construction LLC is currently in the midst of the largest state contract the firm has ever done. Throughout 2023 it will widen shoulders and install structures and culverts as part of the safety improvements on an approximately 7-mile stretch of FM 859 in Van Zandt County, Texas. …

story top image
Delivering Around the Clock

Two in the morning comes at you fast. That’s the time of day when San Antonio-based Titan Fuels, LLC rolls out its fleet of Thunder Creek trucks and trailers to begin serving its clients in the construction and mining industries.

In addition to the region’s continued growth in population and …

story top image
Bobcat of Temple Opens New Location in Central Texas

Bobcat owners and renters in the growing Temple-Belton-Killeen area now have a more convenient store for sales, rentals, parts, and service.

CCE (Compact Construction Equipment, LLC) the authorized sales, rental, service, and parts dealer for Bobcat compact construction equipment for south, central and west Texas celebrated the opening …

story top image
RDO Equipment Co. Celebrates Grand Opening of New Buda Store

RDO Equipment Co. opened their newest Texas facility at 17301 N. IH 35 in Buda with a ribbon cutting and open house celebration on June 1. RDO Equipment Co. is an authorized full-line John Deere Construction dealer providing equipment sales, rentals, parts, and service. RDOE is also a dealer for …

story top image
I-30 Expansion and Improvement Project Aims to Reduce Bottlenecks and Delays Across Lake Ray Hubbard

As SEMA Construction, Inc., of Grapevine, Texas, builds new bridges for Segment 1 of the Interstate 30 Expansion and Improvement project in Texas’ Dallas and Rockwall counties, they rarely impact existing mainlanes. However, construction traffic on land and water throughout the 1.7-mile project creates its own challenges.

“The contractor …

story top image
Inspiring the Next Generation

An exciting event aimed at addressing the growing need for construction workers in the infrastructure industry was held May 11 at the Texas Fair Grounds in Dallas. Construction Career Day was a collaborative effort between the Texas Department of Transportation, AGC of Texas, and Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas. …

story top image
FHWA Announces $300M Investment in Bridge Projects Across the United States, $14M to Fund the US-59 San Antonio River Bridge Project in Texas

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently revealed plans to allocate nearly $300 million for nine small- and medium-sized bridge projects in both urban and rural areas. The grants, awarded in eight states and the District of Columbia, are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Bridge …

SITECH
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer
SITECH SE Texas
SITECH Tejas
story top image
J.D. Abrams Juggles Extra Crews and Equipment to Meet Aggressive Schedule for Capital-Area I-35 at Williams Drive Project

As J.D. Abrams, L.P., of Austin, Texas, completes the 2.6-mile, $61.7 million Interstate 35 at Williams Drive project in Georgetown, Texas, they have juggled a multitude of crews and equipment to meet the aggressive schedule.

However, “The biggest challenge is traffic management,” said Juan Ruiz, J.D. Abrams’ Project …

story top image
Niece Equipment Hosts Open House for New Fort Worth Facility

On March 30, Niece Equipment hosted an open house for their new Fort Worth facility, which is located on a 5-acre tree lined property at 1101 NE Loop 820. This area of Fort Worth is considered a part of “equipment alley”. The building is 12,000 square feet and includes 2,600 …

story top image
Resource Environmental Solutions Implements 17,000-Acre Mitigation for North Texas’ Bois d’Arc Lake Project

As the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) constructed Bois d’Arc Lake northeast of Bonham, Texas – the state’s first new, major reservoir in over 30 years – their federal permit required them to mitigate a similar-sized area to offset natural habitat loss associated with construction.

The 17,000-acre mitigation ranked …

story top image
Two Projects in Texas Receive Build America Awards from AGC and Construction Risk Partners

The Association of General Contractors (AGC) and Construction Risk Partners recently honored this year’s best new and renovation construction projects with Build America Awards at the AGC Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Build America Merit Awards were also presented to construction companies at the convention.

“These awards are designed …

story top image
Five Major Contractors and Peak Workforce of 1,000 Build $1.6B Bois d’Arc Lake Project in Rural North Texas

What does it take to create a new water source for the rapidly growing number of Texas residents?

In the case of Bois d’Arc Lake in Fannin County – the first major reservoir built in Texas in over 30 years – it took years of planning and permitting, $1.2 billion …

story top image
Intelligent Equipment Helps Digby Construction LLC See Increased Growth and Productivity in West Texas

Billy Digby has always loved equipment and playing in the dirt. He views construction as an art form.

“It’s the concept of taking nothing and making it into something,” stated Digby. “It’s in my veins, and I couldn’t really see myself doing anything else. I spent about 10 years as …

story top image
San Antonio’s $1.5B I-35 NEX Central Project Builds Six Elevated Lanes Between Existing Main Lanes and Frontage Roads

With San Antonio’s Interstate 35 corridor already over capacity – and exponential growth expected throughout the area in the coming years – the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) needed to find a way to reduce congestion and improve safety. However, because of commercial and residential development along the corridor, conventional …

story top image
Mario Sinacola & Sons Excavating, Inc. Wins Trimble Award for Most Impressive HR Achievement

Mario Sinacola & Sons Excavating, Inc. recently received the 2022 Trimble Viewpoint Construction Award for Most Impressive Human Resource Achievement by hiring and onboarding 1,000 new employees in under two years. Trimble’s annual awards honor the technological achievements of North American contractors as exhibited through the growth and improvements of …

story top image
2023 Texas Construction Industry Forecast

As another 1,000 people call Texas home every day, those in charge of the state’s infrastructure face a unique dilemma.

“We have a need for updating our aging infrastructure and also a need to build for growth,” said Brooke Paup, Chairwoman of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). “We’re …

story top image
Digby Construction: Creating Art with Precision

Billy Digby has always loved equipment and playing in the dirt. He views construction as an art form.

“It’s the concept of taking nothing and making it into something,” stated Digby. “It’s in my veins, and I couldn’t really see myself doing anything else. I spent about 10 years as …

Sennebogen LLC
Your local Sennebogen LLC dealer
ASCO Equipment
WPI
story top image
Highlights from Texas CECON 2022 — A Conference for a Community of Civil Engineers

This September in Frisco, Texas, over 400 members of the civil engineering community gathered to celebrate the profession at the Texas Civil Engineering Conference (CECON). The three-day event, organized by dedicated volunteers and ASCE Texas staff members, is the place for engineers to engage in professional development, peer-to-peer technical exchange …

story top image
Five Overlapping Projects Improve I-10 Pavement and Congestion on San Antonio’s East Side

As traffic increases and pavement deteriorates on Interstate 10 on San Antonio’s east side, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) undertook five separate, but overlapping, projects to improve mobility and safety.

With two projects complete and three currently under construction (see “Project Breakdown”), contractors have dealt with ongoing utility relocations, …

story top image
Holt Cat Round Up 2022 Showcases Waco Manufacturing and Rebuild Center

HOLT sponsored a Texas-sized Round-Up and customer appreciation in October to showcase their newest Caterpillar equipment rebuild and manufacturing facilities, as well as the entire Holt family of companies.

An estimated 800 Holt customers and friends were treated to a full barbecue dinner and entertainment at the HOLT Manufacturing and …

story top image
New Crane Gives Big B Crane the Reach Needed to Construct Fort Bend EpiCenter

Located in the heart of a continuously growing community, the Fort Bend County EpiCenter project will bring a much-needed venue for hosting a variety of events in the City of Rosenberg, Texas. According to the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Fort Bend County was once a small community with only …

story top image
Prompt Payment Required by the Texas Law on Public Projects

Under Chapter 2251 of the Texas Government Code, Public contractors enjoy the protections of statutory requirements for prompt payment similar to those provided by the Texas Property Code for contractors on private projects as discussed in last month’s edition. Chapter 2251 recognizes that contractors performing work for governmental entities expect …

Finn
Your local Finn Corporation dealer
Romco Equipment Co
story top image
Farther and Faster

Cities across the United States are prioritizing the replacement of aging underground utility infrastructure to improve service and integrate required environmental safeguards.

In San Antonio, Texas, a massive project is currently underway to replace a 5-mile-long deteriorating and inadequate sanitary sewer pipeline known as the “W-6 Upper Segment” main. Part …

story top image
Beyond Digital Transformation – Becoming a Fully Digital Organization

For several years, companies of all sizes have been pursuing digital transformation and integrating innovation into several key focus areas of the business. While the goals for digital transformation are different for each company, it’s time for companies to establish a more ambitious goal – to become a digital organization. …

story top image
Prompt Payment Required by the Texas Law on Private Projects

Payment for work performed is important to every contractor at every tier. Receiving payment in a timely manner is equally important. Texas law recognizes this and provides contractors a remedy for untimely payment in the form of interest and the right to suspend performance. The Prompt Pay Act in Chapter …

story top image
Colorado River Constructors Modernizes Oak Hill Parkway in Austin

Drivers who regularly pass through southwest Austin have inevitably experienced the ever-increasing traffic volume and frequent gridlock around the intersection of U.S. 290 and SH 71. This intersection has long been identified as a heavily congested area in need of solutions and is listed as one of the 100 most …

story top image
OSHA Aims to Create National Heat Injury and Illness Standard

Hot news (pun intended) these days is OSHA’s intent to issue a national standard laying out employer obligations to protect employees against heat injury and illness. This responds to the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting of 344 work-related deaths in U.S. due to environmental heat exposure between 2011 and 2019. …

ASV
Your local ASV dealer
CLM Equipment Co
story top image
Protecting Your Business Against Evolving the Risks of Ransomware

Ransomware is now the most common cybersecurity threat among U.S. businesses, affecting organizations of all sizes. Ransomware attacks have grown during the COVID-19 pandemic, as cybercriminals take advantage of the more vulnerable landscape that has resulted from a drastic shift to widespread remote work strategies.

We are now seeing more …

story top image
Midland Water Pollution Control Plant Expansion Named One of the Nation’s Best Design-Build Projects

With recent market analysis showing that the design-build project delivery method will account for as much as 47 percent of construction spending by 2025, the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is seeing significant growth and success in design-build projects across the country. One such design-build project, the Midland Water Pollution …

story top image
Praesel Founded CapEd to Advocate to Reduce Student Loan Debt and Alleviate Labor Shortage Through Implementation of Apprenticeships in All Fields

Apprenticeships already offer a path into construction skilled trades – but what about those who want to work in other areas of the industry?

Legislation enacted this year offers Texas employers sales tax incentives to hire new apprentices, especially in emerging areas like technology, marketing, engineering, artificial intelligence, and more. …

story top image
Expansion Project on I-45 Corridor Adds Lanes to Enhance Freight Mobility and Reduce Congestion

Interstate 45 is a major interstate route through central Texas, connecting the cities of Dallas and Houston, then continuing southeast to Galveston and the Gulf of Mexico. As the primary transportation corridor between the state's two largest metropolitan areas, I-45 carries an ever-increasing volume of commuter, commercial, and heavy truck …

Hyundai Enters Articulated Dump Truck Market with Two Models Targeting 30- and 45-Ton Segments

Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas announces it is entering the articulated dump truck market with two new models – the HA30 and HA45 articulated dump trucks –targeting the popular 30- and 45-ton segments. The first of the new ADTs are now available for order through Hyundai’s North American network of authorized …

Atlas Copco Compressors Inc
Your local Atlas Copco CMT USA dealer
Romco Equipment Co
Sage Oil Vac Builds Legacy on Innovation and Quality

Sage Oil Vac is a true American success story rooted in innovation and the determination to find a better way. In the early 90s, Gary Sage was a farmer looking for a better way to change oil in his irrigation equipment without spilling oil on himself or the ground. This …

Supply Chain Impacts

War, inflation, pandemic, and staffing shortages – just a few of the events causing fragility in our supply chains. Texas contractors are asked to absorb these shocks all while maintaining project budgets and schedules. As with most problems on construction projects, answers are complex, but may be found in the …

Two Projects in Texas Win Regional America’s Transportation Awards

Two Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) projects won regional awards in the 2022 America’s Transportation Awards competition, sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The competition recognizes state DOTs for making a difference in their community, with each …

Land Bridge Over Traffic Tunnels and 50 Acres of Restored Prairie Reunite Two Halves of Houston’s Memorial Park

For over 50 years, the 1,500 acres of Houston’s Memorial Park were separated into two halves by high-speed traffic on Memorial Drive. By the end of 2022, a new land bridge will reunify the park for people and animals, with four tunnels conveying traffic under 35-foot-tall hills.

To the north …

Nonresidential Construction Pushes Ahead Despite Challenges

The construction ecosystem has not been immune to risks facing the global economy. The evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, a continued dearth of skilled labor, and fallout from a volatile geopolitical landscape, including fragile supply chains and rising material costs, have all presented challenges. Even so, the industry has still …

Liebherr Construction Eq
Your local Liebherr Construction Eq dealer
Nueces Power Equipment
Facilitating a Safety Culture on Utility Projects

Safety isn’t a discrete activity or afterthought on utility construction sites. Instead, it’s an attitude and philosophy that must become an integral part of all operations. By encouraging all contractors and their workers to embrace the utility’s commitment to safety, it’s possible to facilitate the development of an even stronger …

RSM US LLP Hosts Annual Skeets & Eats Event for Clients

RSM US LLP (RSM) hosted nearly 250 guests at its annual Skeets & Eats event on May 5 – the first time back at the event since before the pandemic.

For the past 30 years, RSM has brought clients, business partners, and friends of the firm together at Skeets & …

The Illusion of Inventory and Price Controls

Systemic disruptions of supply chains over the past two years because of the pandemic and, more recently, the Russian invasion of Ukraine have renewed calls for political authorities to do something about soaring prices.

With inflation hitting 8.5 percent in March and risks of another oil and energy price shock …

With ‘Neighborhood Watch on Steroids’, Parker Partners with State Agencies to Stop Human Trafficking

Ever think human trafficking is an isolated problem? Not true – and especially in Texas. The state ranks number 1 in the country for human trafficking. Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth rank first- and second-worst among all U.S. cities.

What can be done?

“I believe that the construction industry can create …

I-35 Expansion Project Underway in Cooke County

Interstate 35 is one of the nation's most important highways, running north-south from Canada to Mexico. In Texas, the highway crosses the heart of the state, covering nearly 600 miles from the Red River at the Oklahoma border to the Rio Grande at the Mexican border. As essentially the hub …

story top image
Five Tips for Mini Excavator Maintenance

Maintenance might not be your favorite thing to do, but this minor inconvenience can help you avoid major headaches in the future. Good maintenance practices not only keep the machine running at peak performance, but they also minimize downtime from repairs that come from ignoring key maintenance requirements. Here are …

story top image
Changing the Game with the EWRS-HS Hard Surface Skid Steer Tire

WINNIPEG, MB — Evolution Wheel is a manufacturer of heavy-duty skid steer tires. The EWRS-HS series solid skid steer tire is the hard surface version of the EWRS-AT series all-terrain tire. The solid EWRS-HS skid steer tire is ideal for surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

Evolution Wheel spends a lot …

story top image
Ongoing Traffic Control Upgrades Maintain Safety in San Antonio’s Loop 1604 North Expansion Project

Over the next few decades, San Antonio’s population is expected to grow by 2 million residents.

That poses problems for Loop 1604 – the outer highway encircling San Antonio – since the Texas A&M Transportation Institute already identified the northern portion as one of the most-congested corridors in the state. …

story top image
Managing Screen Media Selection, Installation and Maintenance

It doesn’t matter how much aggregate is produced in a day if it is contaminated or not sized correctly. Though screen media is a minor cost when compared to larger equipment in a quarry or mine, it is a crucial part of any operation’s profit machine. One unexpected break and …

story top image
Is Poor PR Driving Construction's Labor Shortage?

The global upheaval of the last few years has undoubtedly rocked the construction industry – and stories of labor shortages driven by COVID-19 abound. Add to that an aging workforce further stressed by current conditions, combined with a lack of skilled replacements, and the current struggle makes sense.

But beneath …

Cementech
Your local Cementech dealer
Romco Equipment Co
story top image
Project Owners Drive Tech Adoption

The needs of the project owner have always defined the parameters of a construction job, but all signs are pointing to owners playing a bigger role in the use of technology on their projects in the future, especially as we begin to see federal funds put to work on transportation …

story top image
How the US Will Deploy Intelligent Transit Networks That Enable Connected Vehicles

While America’s transportation infrastructure continues to be one of the country’s greatest historical accomplishments, as well as the lifeblood of the American economy, the system itself continues to have serious challenges during the last two decades.

This is mainly due to the rise in traffic congestion which has ensnarled hundreds …

Poor Project Data and Miscommunication Responsible for 52 Percent of All Rework

Most people in the construction industry will say that on any given work site, there is always an amount of waste that could have been avoided. Whether it be poorly handled materials, re-work, weather damage, or working from out of date documents, there are plenty of ways that humans can …

story top image
Aggregate Technologies Inc. Solves Concrete Problems with Hydrodemolition on Grand Parkway Project

Construction projects certainly have their challenges and work on the Grand Parkway has proved no different. This 184-mile corridor, that will reach across seven counties and provide a third highway loop around the Houston metropolitan area has been decades in the making.

The mega-loop will meet the needs of a …

story top image
As AGC of Texas President, Casteel Works to Maximize Record Construction Funding and Grow Future Leaders

In his term as President of Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Texas, David Casteel, P.E., DBIA, is working with the organization’s staff and Board of Directors to learn from the past and optimize the present.

“Most importantly, though, we want to influence the future,” he said.

That includes …

story top image
Rockdale Stone: A Family Operation

About 30 years ago, Dana Pendergraft worked for a company pulling stone from a quarry in Haskell County, Texas. After an economic decline, the owner decided to shut it down. Dana, however, believed it was still a viable business proposition and took over the company.

“I had one loader and …

story top image
Pulse Flow Reverse Osmosis Offers Higher Water Recovery and Lower Brine Reject

As droughts and growing population affect water security around the globe, desalination becomes an increasingly important option. In communities searching for sustainable, long-term solutions, new technology can increase the efficiency of water treatment efforts.

Initially developed in the late 1950s, reverse osmosis (RO) desalination evolved into the leading desalination process. …

story top image
Irving Interchange Project’s Fast-Paced Construction on Four Major Roadways, with 32 New Structures, Requires Vast Array of Crews and Equipment

To complete the $301 million Irving Interchange project in the City of Irving, Texas, near Dallas, general contractor Webber, LLC, of Irving utilizes many crews, cranes, and drill rigs throughout the 9.6-mile corridor.

“It’s a resource-driven job,” said Brenan Honey, P.E., Director of Construction for the Texas Department …

story top image
Two Structures and Multiple Drawing Sets Require Innovative Construction Methods for Northeast Texas Cancer and Research Institute

At the $45 million Northeast Texas Cancer and Research Institute in Tyler, Texas, three linear accelerators will provide external beam radiation treatments for patients. Before that happens, general contractor McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., needed to construct three high-density concrete vaults to keep the radiation contained. That included performing two …

Safer Practices for Working Around Concrete

Many of the most famous structures of ancient times were constructed from a material we often think of us as modern. The workers who built them needed a material that could be shaped into blocks and other forms more easily than carving from stone. Finally, someone concocted a mixture of …

Hyundai Construction Equipment
Your local Hyundai Construction Equipment USA dealer
Nueces Power Equipment
story top image
$21.5M Downtown Houston Reconstruction Project Turns Two-Way Street into Pedestrian-Friendly Corridor

When Houston’s Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA) undertook reconstruction of 10 blocks of Bagby Street on the west edge of downtown, a traffic impact analysis led to devoting 60 percent of the right-of-way to pedestrian and landscape amenities.

During construction, however, General Contractor Main Lane Industries, Ltd., of Houston, Texas, …

story top image
2022 Texas Construction Industry Forecast

Labor and material shortages. Supply chain disruptions. Economic turbulence. COVID-19 rules and restrictions. Vaccine mandates. Many challenges impacting the built environment in recent years have rolled over into 2022. Industry experts are optimistic that a reopened economy and increased federal infrastructure investments will propel recovery and growth in nonresidential construction …

story top image
Automated, Connected, and Intelligent

The future is looking bright for the construction industry, with project pipelines full and the promise of infrastructure spending infusing the industry with confidence and optimism. But as we face another year of supply chain issues and crippling workforce shortages, it’s possible that our industry’s biggest challenge could be too …

story top image
Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc., Incorporates Drainage Solutions with Nature and Recreation for Exploration Green Project

In Clear Lake City, Texas, an abandoned golf course became the solution to catastrophic seasonal flooding.

For the $49 million Exploration Green project, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc., (LAN) of Houston, Texas, designed five massive detention ponds that each hold up to 100 million gallons of stormwater. When complete, …

story top image
TxDOT Reconstructs RM 2222 and RM 620 Bypass for Smoother Travel in Northern Travis County

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 census, the population of Austin, Texas, grew 21 percent since the previous census in 2010. The surrounding areas also grew. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working on multiple infrastructure projects to ensure the roadways can handle the extra traffic the population …

story top image
Aggressive Phasing and Strategic Detours Help Dallas Area’s $370M I-635/SH 121 Interchange Project Finish Six Months Early

A lack of funding delayed the $370 million Interstate 635/State Highway 121 Interchange project north of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) a decade ago – but once funding became available, the project finished six months ahead of its scheduled completion date.

Design-Build Contractor NorthGate Constructors – a joint …

story top image
Historic Waco Suspension Bridge Undergoes Makeover

“Texas is a blend of valor and swagger.” Or so said Carl Sandburg in 1950, after reading works by Texas author Boyce House. In those eight words, Sandburg summarized the Lone Star State’s long-established culture of gallantry and determination, and its penchant for thinking big, then bigger.

Take the historic …

story top image
Moss Utilities Lays McKinney’s First HDPE Sanitary Sewer Up to 35 Feet Deep Through Wet, Wooded, and Historical Areas

When the City of McKinney, Texas, designed a new sanitary sewer line along a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) lake, they originally specified PVC pipe and concrete manholes. After city officials toured Plasson USA’s plant in Corsicana, Texas, to gather information for a different project, they decided to ask …

story top image
TxDOT Improves I-40 to Keep Up With Growing Amarillo Development

Aiming to improve traffic flow and safety, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has undertaken a bridge replacement project along about four miles of the Interstate 40 corridor in Amarillo.

“The existing structures were built with the original interstate construction,” says Sonja Gross, Public Information Officer for TxDOT’s Amarillo …

story top image
$766.5M SH 249 Extension Decreases Congestion and Increases Mobility Northwest of Houston

To build the new $766.5 million State Highway (SH) 249 Extension project northwest of Houston, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) used multiple strategies to accelerate the work and provide faster relief for the area’s increasing population and economic growth. First, they divided the project into several parts in order …

Yanmar
Your local Yanmar dealer
WPI
CLM Equipment Co
story top image
15-Mile, $50M Reconstruction of Corpus Christi’s SH 358 Required 42 Work Units, Each with Different Challenges

To complete the 15-mile, $50 million reconstruction of Corpus Christi’s State Highway 358 with minimal traffic impacts, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) organized the project into 10 main phases – then divided those phases into 42 different work units.

“Every work unit is different,” said Bruce Kowalik, Project …

story top image
Precast Bridge Elements Help Zachry Construction Maintain Aggressive Schedule on Second Phase of San Antonio’s US 281 Upgrade

As Zachry Construction Corporation of San Antonio, Texas, works to complete the $178.3 million second phase of Bexar County’s U.S. 281 improvement project, they’ve juggled challenges and silver linings to meet the accelerated construction schedule.

Surprisingly, one consequence of the pandemic actually helped them expedite work, as did unconventional precast …

story top image
Upgrade of Amarillo’s SL 335 Deals with Prairie Dogs, Helium History, Out-of-Season Flooding, and COVID-19

To improve safety and boost economic impact, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) undertook an upgrade to turn State Loop 335 around the City of Amarillo, Texas, into a four-lane, controlled-access freeway.

However, with total estimated construction costs topping $1.5 billion, the 43.5-mile, multi-phased upgrade will take a while. So …

story top image
Planet Texas 2050: As Population Doubles and Severe Weather Intensifies, University of Texas at Austin Researchers Examine How to Build Resilience Into State’s Infrastructures and Cities

The population of Texas today stands at almost 28 million. By 2050, that number is predicted to nearly double to 55 million, with most people clustered in already-dense urban centers like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.

Over the next several decades, researchers also project an increase in the …

story top image
2021 Texas Construction Industry Forecast

For many, the dawn of 2020 signaled a new decade of hope and prosperity. However, the year closed with a shocking twist: a global death toll topping 1.6 million (including 300,000-plus in the United States) that stemmed from the outbreak of COVID-19, a highly contagious and unpredictable disease originating in …

Gradall Co
Your local Gradall Industries dealer
ASCO Equipment
WPI
Kirby Smith Machinery
story top image
A $259M Makeover for Houston’s Most-Congested Freeway Interchange

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Houston District oversees infrastructure improvements across a six-county territory containing approximately 6.8 million people. A strong, diverse economy is laying the groundwork for the population to reach 10.7 million by 2045, making it increasingly imperative for TxDOT to address the dozens of major traffic …

story top image
OHL Works around Austin’s High Traffic Volumes, Groundwater, and Existing Utilities to Complete I-35 at Oltorf Street Project

As part of the $42.6 million I-35 at Oltorf Street project in Austin, Texas, general contractor OHL USA, Inc., of Austin needed to demolish a prestressed concrete, box beam bridge across Interstate 35 mainlanes – in an area that sees more than 200,000 vehicles a day – then construct …

story top image
Southern Gateway Project in Downtown Dallas Reaches Pivotal Halfway Mark

Just south of downtown Dallas, efforts to relieve mounting traffic jams and improve mobility along I-35E and U.S. 67 are moving forward at a steady clip. The Southern Gateway Project, owned by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), is rebuilding and widening these major Dallas County arterials as part of …

story top image
Fort Worth’s $53M Hemphill Street Connector Project Provides Long-Needed, Multi-Modal Tunnel Under I-30

For several decades, planners in the City of Fort Worth, Texas, dreamed of building a connection between downtown and the city’s near southside, but a lack of funding, Interstate 30, and four Union Pacific railroad tracks stood in the way. Finally, in April the $53 million Hemphill Street Connector opened …

story top image
Construction on East Austin’s US 183 South Triples Capacity and Provides Greener Travel Experience

When the 8-mile, $743 million U.S. 183 South project in East Austin, Texas, opens all lanes to traffic by year-end, drivers will not only find reduced congestion through the corridor, but also a more scenic drive.

“People pay to use this facility, so they expect a better experience; it’s a …

Astec
Your local Astec dealer
Closner Equipment Co Inc
story top image
Vision for 184-Mile Grand Parkway Advances with Construction in Northeast Houston

First conceptualized about six decades ago, the Grand Parkway (SH 99) is a future 184-mile corridor that will traverse seven counties and provide a third highway loop around the Houston metropolitan area. This multidecade megaproject, owned by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), aims to improve mobility, safety, and travel-time …

story top image
El Paso’s I-10 Connect Project Blends Mobility Solutions with Community Connections

Just east of downtown El Paso, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is ramping up construction on its I-10 Connect project, which aims to improve connectivity between I-10 and Loop 375 (César Chávez Border Highway) and address congestion issues caused by traffic queuing on I-110 for the Bridge of the …