The complete transformation of Interstate 10 on El Paso’s west side presented a host of challenges for contractors on this $160-million project, which was designed to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents on a stretch of I-10 that Congress identified as a high-priority corridor.

The project experienced a setback in June 2015, when the original general contractor voluntarily defaulted two months after starting construction. When Sundt Construction stepped in as general contractor in July of that year, the contractor held weekly meetings with the Texas DOT to accelerate construction and make up for lost time. Sundt’s team combined phases to allow multiple activities to take place simultaneously.

The sheer size of the reconstruction was a challenge in and of itself, as the four-year project spanned nearly six miles with 29 bridges on a corridor that averages about 120,000 vehicles daily. The project involved 1 million cu yd of earthwork, 201,000 sq ft of retaining walls and four bridge widenings.

One of the four key components of the project was the construction of collector-distributor lanes throughout the corridor. These lanes function like access roads, allowing first responders to have better access when accidents and other emergencies occur.

The other three components included improving the direct connection with Paisano Drive/Border West Expressway, adding lanes to I-10 in both directions and reconfiguring ramps and overpasses at three major exits.

By performing most work at night and on weekends and modifying the original plans to keep three lanes open—rather than the contractually required two for peak traffic—the project team was able to minimize congestion and related pollution. This required six- and seven-day work weeks for certain roles and 12-hour days with split shifts at night.

Back to Honoring a Wide Range of Outstanding Work