Loop 281 Widening and Railroad Overpass

To accommodate increased traffic volumes, the Texas Department of Transportation reconstructed and widened a 1.5-mile section of Loop 281 around southwest Longview and constructed a new railroad overpass for Loop 281 at the busy intersection with the Union-Pacific Railroad and FM 2087. Lochner was the prime consultant for this project from the initial route study through to final design.

During the route study, Lochner developed a series of alternatives, which were presented in a value engineering forum to design professionals and engineers. Particular issues included the close proximity of the FM 2087 intersection and the Loop 281/SH 31 interchange to the existing at-grade railroad crossing, which posed a challenge in designing and constructing a new overpass while maintaining access to intersecting streets and nearby industrial facilities. The selected alternative relocated a section of FM 2087 to integrate the FM 2087 traffic with the SH 31 interchange.

During the final design stage, Lochner developed plans, specifications, and estimates for the 1.5-mile mainline widening from four to six lanes; the relocation of 1,500 feet of FM 2087; and the construction of a 500-foot-long, 104-foot wide, prestressed concrete I-girder span bridge over the UPRR. Lochner also designed intersection modifications at LP 281 and the SH 31 entrance/exit ramps.