December 2004

(Austin, Texas) - ZCC is helping San Antonio prepare for the increased traffic that is expected when the city’s new Toyota truck factory opens in 2006. ZCC is in the initial stages of a project to reconstruct a bridge and widen a second bridge along the Loop 410 expressway just a short distance from the Toyota plant site on the city’s South side.

“Given the additional industrial and commuter traffic that will accompany Toyota’s arrival, this project is essential,” said Jean Abiassi, operations manager for Heavy – Highway/Bridge. “Projections indicate the existing infrastructure can’t accommodate the increased activity the Toyota plant will bring to the area. This project will be completed before the plant opens and keep the additional traffic from causing disruptions in traffic flow.”

Beyond accommodating greater traffic flow, this project also will provide aesthetic enhancements that reflect San Antonio’s Spanish Mission period. The mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls adjacent to the bridges will include decorative stonework facades in the form of arches that are reminiscent of the designs seen on local missions. Incorporating this visual element into the project is in keeping with the city’s efforts to make the corridor leading to the Toyota facility visually appealing.

The project will span a 2.1- mile section of Loop 410 between its intersections with Zarzamora Street and State Highway 16. The entire section will be resurfaced. Crews will apply concrete paving, asphalt and asphalt concrete pavement (ACP) overlay and will widen the bridge over Highway 16.

The project’s labor force is expected to peak at about 40, with the daily average number of employees at approximately 25. The $12.5 million project began in October and is scheduled for completion in November 2005.

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