I-40 and I-27 Interchange

In April 1999, the Texas Department of Transportation hired Kiewit to develop a 41-month reconstruction plan for the Interstate 40/Interstate 27 Interchange. This $35 million project reconstructed and widened nearly 1.5 miles of roadway.

One of three bridges replaced, the BNSF overpass posed numerous challenges due to its location over more than 20 active railroad tracks. Crews and machinery were not allowed on the tracks running beneath the bridge. While closely coordinating with rail traffic, personnel saw cut the deck and dealt with removal from above. Using an excavator and cutting the deck into 8-foot by 16-foot slabs, debris was loaded onto trucks for removal.

With more than 80 trains a day coming through the yard, delays were common while working over the tracks. The project team overcame these delays through careful scheduling and by building solid relationships with BNSF personnel.

The project involved 30,000 square yards of concrete paving; more than 6,500 feet of drain pipe; elevating I-40 to span I-27; re-grading 10 on/off ramps within the interchange vicinity; and widening both eastbound and westbound I-40 from two lanes in each direction to three lanes. The fast-track schedule was reduced to 33 months, benefiting more than 100,000 motorists per day.