IH 10 Segment 4, TxDOT, Yoakum District
Sealy, TX

IEA Inc. was the Prime Consultant responsible for management and design of 3.3 miles of controlled access interstate highway reconstruction from East Crooked Branch to west of FM 3538.

The project included 6 mainlanes with 2-way to 1-way frontage road conversion and ramps.

Roadway Design:

IEA designed barrier frontage road, sidewalk ramps, stop bars, cross walks, traffic signal poles, horizontal alignments, vertical profiles, and ditch profiles to provide smooth alignments that minimized right-of-way takes.

Traffic Control Plans (TCP):

IEA presented TCP and phasing options to TxDOT in a workshop, including options to keep a minimum of 2 lanes of mainline traffic open in each direction for all phases and strategies to maintain access to all properties during all phases during the 2-way to 1-way frontage road conversion.

IEA's final TCP included:

• Wide Shoulders: We designed the roadway with a minimum of 12’ lanes, with 10’ outside shoulders and 4’ inside shoulders to give ample space for passers-byers.
• Smart Work Zone: We implemented a signage system to give advanced warning of the upcoming work zone and lower speed limits.
• Barrier Systems: We planned for installation of sturdy barriers to separate work zones from active traffic lanes.
• Worker Visibility: Requiring workers to wear high-visibility clothing to make them more noticeable to drivers, especially in low-light conditions.

Bridge Design:

IEA designed a 3-span bridge over Little Bernard Creek. IEA calculated the vertical clearances of a bridge over the IH 10 mainlanes and frontage roads. IEA prepared bridge layouts and detailed design of Pyka Underpass bridge replacement for a minimum vertical clearance of 18'-6" to accommodate frontage road freight corridor. IEA incorporated the bridge aesthetic details into the plans.

Drainage Design:

IEA designed culverts and longitudinal drainage of mainlanes and frontage roads and produced the drainage report. IEA increased the size of cross-drainage structures to meet design criteria.