Key Features:

• Multi-Level Interchange
• Steel Superstructure and Substructure
• Concrete Superstructure and Substructure
• Aesthetic Design and Detailing

This important 4-level interchange is intended to serve as a gateway from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to the City of Austin.  The project included the fully directional interchange, 16 bridges, widening of SH71 from 6 to 8 lanes in the area, and widening of US183 from 4 to 6 lanes in the area.   PESC’s areas of responsibility included: structural design for the SH71 Mainlane Bridges, the East to North Direct Connector, Spirit of Texas Drive Overpasses and Riverside Drive Mainlane and Turnaround Bridges. 

Structural design encompassed curving and flaring geometry; prestressed concrete beam units;  steel plate girder units; drilled shaft retaining walls; multi-column, hammerhead, straddle, and integral steel bents; and detailing for aesthetic enhancements.  P.E. Structural also led the aesthetic design effort for structures within this project and in adjacent sections, and production effort for project-wide standards for efficient construction. 

Construction cost was estimated at $400M.  (This project is currently on hold at approximately 80% completion pending funding.)

Related Links:

Aesthetic Design and Visualization