As the design lead for the 183N Mobility project in Texas, we are implementing iTwin technology to meet the owner’s extensive 3D deliverable requirements which includes the development of roadway models, bridge models, existing and proposed utilities, and drainage models.
This is one of our first opportunities to implement the complete use of Bentley’s Openroads Designer CONNECT edition technology for both modeling and production. The iTwin technology, which provides a web-based interface shared by all team stakeholders—design team, contractor, and owner—is used as an interactive design tool and improves collaboration across all disciplines.
This $477 million project for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority will construct four express lanes and widen US 183 to bring the total number of general-purpose lanes to four in each direction. Other improvements include the addition of direct connector ramps providing access between the new express lanes on US 183 and the existing express lanes on Loop 1, ITS infrastructure to support tolling of the express lanes in addition to traffic management/incident management, a new shared-use path, new sidewalks to provide pedestrian continuity through the project limits, and cross-street connections for bicycles/pedestrians along US 183.
Using iTwin technology will allow us to analyze and design around project complexities, some of which include placement of new mechanically stabilized earth (MSE), cast-in-place, and stem walls with drilled shaft foundations adjacent to existing MSE walls; placement of open air water quality basins adjacent to existing MSE walls; placement of widened roadway sections including proposed wall and fill over existing storm sewer pipe; and construction of sidewalks and sidewalk retaining walls in hilly terrain meeting Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements.
The completed project is expected to improve overall mobility, operational efficiency, accessibility, safety, and emergency response by providing for additional transportation routes and increased capacity to meet current and future travel demands. It will also facilitate long-term congestion management and relief in the corridor by accommodating the movement of people and goods for multiple modes of travel.
