ENR Texas & Louisiana has named Ferrovial US Construction Corp. its 2014 Contractor of the Year, recognizing the firm’s outstanding growth in Texas, its project portfolio and its dedication to local communities.

2013 was a year of growth for Ferrovial in the Texas and Louisiana region, thanks to several major Texas projects. This work was part of the rapid and widespread expansion of roadways across the state.

The firm has three mega projects in North Texas totaling more than $4.5 billion in construction: the LBJ Express I-635 Managed Lane Project; the North Tarrant Express (SH 183/ Loop 820); and the North Tarrant Express Extension (I-35W).

Between the North Tarrant Express and LBJ Express projects, Ferrovial was running close to $4 million in production per day.

Ferrovial, a new addition this year to ENR Texas & Louisiana’s regional Top Contractors survey, is an international transportation infrastructure company that employs about 2,500 in the region.

All the firm’s projects employ a mandatory Health and Safety Plan. Safety stats for Ferrovial's three major Texas projects are running below the industry national average of 3.9. Year-to-date recordable injury rates after millions of man-hours were 0.8 for 2014 on the LBJ Express; 0.6 for 2014 on the North Tarrant Express; and 0.0 for 2014 on the North Tarrant Express Extension.

Despite the size of its major projects, Ferrovial remains committed to the local community. The North Tarrant Express project was awarded for its excellence in community relations and public education by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and was presented with a first place Pride award in June 2014. Established in 1999, the PRIDE Awards honor outstanding programs that enhance the image of the transportation design and construction industry.

The NTE and LBJ projects also partnered with the National Math and Science Initiative to help establish advanced placement (AP) math and science programs in high schools along the projects corridors. Through a five-year $1 million grant program, NTE/LBJ are encouraging students in underserved schools to take college-level courses in preparation for careers in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and provides teacher training.

In addition to corporate social responsibility, local project teams have developed comprehensive communications plans to elected officials, area businesses, residents and the traveling public.

Be sure to read more about Ferrovial’s accomplishments in the August 11 issue of ENR Texas & Louisiana.