Loop 1604 between Bandera and Culebra to expand

Starting later this year or early 2014, work will begin on converting Loop 1604 between Bandera and Culebra roads into a controlled-access highway.

The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday awarded the Loop 1604 design-build contract to Williams Brothers Construction Co. for up to $126.2 million. Williams Brothers also built the Loop 1604-U.S. 281 interchange.

When completed, Loop 1604 will have continuous access roads and overpasses at Shaenfield, New Guilbeau and Braun roads. That project is expected to cost about $82.2 million.

The contract includes an option to add a project at Texas 151 and Loop 1604, said Ed Penstock, director of the Texas Department of Transportation's strategic projects division. That's where construction of a $15.1 million underpass on Texas 151 was halted a year ago after the discovery of an endangered spider in the area.

Transportation officials are studying a redesign of the underpass that would minimize any environmental effect, Penstock said. Once that process is complete, Penstock said officials hope to include Texas 151 in the contract, adding $44 million to it.

Williams Brothers, which submitted the lowest bid, beat out Zachry Construction Corp. and J.D. Abrams L.P. for the contract.

vdavila@express-news.net