PLC given FNTP on Texas SH 161 Extension

Prairie Link Constructors, a Fluor-led joint venture with Balfour Beatty, has received final notice to proceed (FNTP) from the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) for the US$ 416 million State Highway 161 Tollway project.

NTTA selected the Fluor-led team in August 2009 since when the contract has been finalized and executed and approved by the Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

NTTA's Board of Directors passed resolutions to move forward with the SH 161 project, which led to the issuance of the final two NTPs (NTP2 and NTP3).

NTP2 is for construction of the SH 161 crossing under the Union Pacific Railroad corridor. NTP3 is the full release of the remainder of the detailed design and construction.

The SH 161 Tollway project is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012. The work includes planned corridor improvements of two tolled, managed lanes in each direction from north of Interstate Highway 30 down to Interstate Highway 20, about 6.5 miles (10.5 km), as well as major multi-level interchanges at both interstates.

Prairie Link Constructors is a 60:40 joint venture led by Fluor with Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc., and will include the services of a number of companies including: AECOM (lead design), PSI (independent quality assurance/control), and Hicks and Company (independent environmental compliance).