TxDOT selects McCarthy/LAN team to design and construct SH-71 Express Toll Lanes

Austin, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has conditionally awarded McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. and lead design firm, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) to develop, design and construct the SH 71 Express Toll Lanes. The project will run from Presidential Boulevard to east of SH 130 in Austin, along with the realignment of FM 973 south of the Colorado River to approximately 0.5 miles south of the current SH 71/FM 973 intersection.

SH 71 is a major thoroughfare for commuters traveling from downtown Austin to the Austin Bergstrom International Airport and for central Texas motorists traveling to Bastrop and Houston. With more than 58,000 vehicles per day, it is one of the most congested roadways in Austin. The Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization projects that in 2035, traffic volume will reach at least 70,000 vehicles per day. The $149 million project, which will be completed in April 2016 on an accelerated design and construction schedule, will provide much needed relief to Austin commuters.

The project will be procured as a design-build by the Texas Department of Transportation Strategic Projects Division. Upon completion, it will be transferred to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority for operation and maintenance. LAN will serve as the lead designer responsible for environmental compliance, utility coordination and relocation, survey, geotechnical services, design and construction support.

“We are pleased to partner with TxDOT and McCarthy on this critical project,” said Arnold Cohen, P.E., LAN’s vice president. “The project will address the growing congestion problems along SH-71, improve travel times and reduce fuel costs.”