Austin completes first pass through finance project in Texas
Williamson County Commissioer, Valerie Covey, spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony for SH 29. She recognized the Austin team for completing the project “on time and under budget.”
Austin Bridge & Road began the $3.7 million project on October 25, 2007. The project consisted of one north-to-south turnaround and one south-to-north turnaround. There were 209 working days allotted to meet the substantial completion date of August 25th 2008. Austin met this deadline as well as the completion of all punch list activities one month ahead of schedule.
“This is the first pass through finance project to be completed in the history of Texas,” said Bob Deigh of TxDOT.
A pass through finance project is a project that the county, city or other owner pays for and TxDOT reimburses them for the total cost for the project. “Of all of my years building bridges, I must say that I am most proud of this one,” said David Viduare.
In order to meet schedule deadlines it was decided to have the non-typical window lancets which form the T411 Rail windows built out of wood. This eliminated a three-week waiting period for the fabrication of steel block outs. “I’ve been on a lot of projects, but this one is the cleanest and the best looking job I have ever worked on,” said Hipolito Perez.
When constructing the approach slabs, difficulties arose due to the very tight radiuses they were in. With careful planning, the slabs were poured in one week. “It’s an honor to have been a part of this successful project. It makes me proud to be an employee-owner of Austin Bridge & Road. Congratulations to all that contributed to the successful completion of Williamson County SH 29,” said Gabe Castillo, project engineer.