Reprint from the Progress Times - February 8, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

 

Bridge Board gets latest update on Anzalduas

 

The Anzalduas Bridge Board received their latest progress report from Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation February 4, 2008. Initial reports show bridge construction to be in full swing.

The Anzalduas International Bridge Board, made up of Chairman Carlos Garza, Mission Mayor Norberto Salinas, McAllen Mayor Richard Cortez, Hidalgo Mayor John David Franz, Granjeno Mayor Alberto Magallan, McAllen City Manager Mike R. Perez and Bridge Director George Ramon, was given an overarching report that discussed the overall project layout as well as construction progress.

The southbound roadway layout, a proposed five lane entrance to the bridge, was discussed. The entrance will be a 25 mph zone with one Truck Bus Lane to the right and four vehicular lanes.

The board was given an update on the northbound car and truck return lane as well. That part of road will be a Control Access Roadway with a Swing Gate controlled by a loop for one way flow of traffic. A standard portable concrete barrier will be used along the east side of the proposed lanes to keep runaway traffic from crossing the southbound lanes.

A storm drain system comprised of 24 to 36 inch pipes and open drainage swales and inlets. Communications for the bridge complex will be provided by AT&T. Their local distribution box is located at the southwest corner of the Anzalduas Park Road and Military Road. A service order will initiate the routing of service to the Administration Building. Electrical power will be provided by Sharyland Utilities.

The main feed has dual power supplies from substations for safety. The Administration Building and toll booths will also have an electrical generator for an additional power source in case of emergencies.

Updated construction cost estimates as of January 4 for 60 percent final design was listed in the report as $5,167,055 with conceptual construction cost estimates for estimated engineering fees listed as $2,642,640.

A report on the southbound facilities including an administration building and toll booths was also given. All building architectural styles, according to the report will be similar to the GSA facilities to create a campus look throughout the bridge area. The administration building will be 4,500 square feet. Staff and visitor parking will be behind the administration building on the west side. It will consist of 33 parking spaces including two handicap van-accessible parking spaces. Access to the parking lot will be controlled by the use of an electrical roll back gate with a key pad and intercom. Staff and visitors will be able to gain access with a pass code or by using the intercom to alert staff to open the gate. A small portable concrete barrier will divide the outbound and inbound lanes to keep vehicles from trying to gain unauthorized access. Security cameras will be installed at the entrance.

There will be a total of five toll booths with the center toll booth built slightly bigger to accommodate a security guard station and a bathroom. According to the report a toll booth canopy will cover all five proposed toll booths with provisions to extend the canopy in the future. A construction cost estimate for the toll booths and equipment is listed in the report as $2,180,040 bringing the total construction cost estimate of the administration building and all related facilities to $3,493,485.