Construct Bridge, US 385

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is soliciting bids for construction of a new interchange on US 385 at State Loop 338 in Ector County, Texas, spanning approximately 1.0 mile, with proposals due July 1, 2026. This is a federal-aid project requiring notarized Buy America Certification Forms for all construction materials classified as such.

The scope encompasses site preparation, excavation, embankment, flexible-base installation, asphalt paving, concrete structures including bridge components, drainage systems, traffic control, roadway illumination, electrical services, guardrails, and cable barrier systems. The project contains 254 pay items with quantities including 315,649 square yards of drill seeding, 197,014 square yards of flexible base, 85,803 tons of superpave mixtures, 91,546 square feet of retaining walls, and precast concrete girders, concrete box culverts, and pipe installations. Environmental controls must address 112 acres of disturbed area and include erosion and sedimentation measures. The contractor must provide mobilization, traffic control, temporary field office and laboratory facilities, and coordinate with TxDOT's Odessa Traffic Operations and utilities.

The contract term is 480 working days from authorization, with a 120-day delayed start permitted for material acquisition. The road-user cost liquidated damages rate is $8,153 per day; incentive for early completion is capped at 30 days. Bidders must submit a $100,000 proposal guaranty (cashier's check, teller's check, bank money order, or bid bond) and acknowledge receipt of all five addenda or their bids will not be opened. Audited financial statements and experience questionnaires must be submitted at least ten days prior to the letting date. Successful bidders must secure performance bonds for the full contract amount. Unit prices are required for each pay item per standard specifications.