The Georgia Dept. of Transportation took a big step forward in its estimated $500-million effort to reconstruct an important Macon interstate corridor, awarding a $229-million contract to a joint venture of two contractors seeking to expand their presence in the state.
Winning GDOT’s joint-venture contract covering the Interstate 16/I-75 Interchange reconstruction project’s fourth and fifth phases was a team of Ferrovial subsidiary Webber LLC and United Infrastructure Group. The project has been divided into nine stages, says Ferrovial, and includes work on 21 bridges and other improvements, including wider shoulders, concrete barriers and additional lanes in most locations. Additionally, contractors will construct a collector/distributor road system parallel to both I-16 and I-75. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with completion scheduled for late 2024.
The contract award was a notable win for the two contractors, both of which are seeking to increase their presence both within the state and beyond.
“Improving I-16 and I-75 is critical to keeping Macon moving and working,” stated Jose Carlos Esteban, president and CEO of Webber. “Webber is dedicated to building a lasting presence in Georgia and becoming part of the local community.”
Webber is a recent entrant into Georgia’s highway construction industry, opening its Atlanta office in 2019. The Texas-based contractor has been working as a subcontractor for Ferrovial Construction US on the Transform 285/400 project in Atlanta. According to the company, its first hard-bid win in Georgia came in 2020 with its contract for the I-75/SR 401 improvement project in Clayton and Henry counties.
Webber’s JV partner, Charlotte, N.C.-based United Infrastructure Group, also is eyeing an expanded presence in the state.
“Being a part of the completion of this important infrastructure project in Macon and providing a place for our men and women at United to further their careers is very exciting, challenging, and a great fit for our strategic growth plan in Georgia,” said Jim Triplett, president and CEO of United.
