Grand Parkway developer Zachry-Odebrecht, a joint venture, has begun the design on the highway as the Texas Department of Transportation continues the approval process of segments F1, F2 and G.

"Our team is thrilled to be given an opportunity to build such an incredible project and we look forward to partnering with literally hundreds of local subcontractors and vendors with substantial local knowledge and experience to see this project through completion," said Scott Cromack, senior project manager for the joint venture.

The Grand Parkway proposed highway stretches 180 miles through seven counties in the Greater Houston Area. Segments F1, F2 and G combined total about 37 miles and run through Harris and Montgomery Counties. The project includes more than 9 million cubic yards of earthwork, more than 100 bridges and associated drainage and utility infrastructure.

The Zachry-Odebrecht team concluded negotiations with TxDOT Friday and the contract awaits final review from the Texas Attorney General's office. Notice to Proceed is expected in early 2013 while construction is planned to begin in spring 2013. The team expects to create more than 800 local jobs through the design and construction of the project.

"Once we receive Notice to Proceed, we will quickly move into procurement and construction activities for the project. In fact, we have already mobilized our design team to the project core management office near the project site," Cromack said.

Rooted in more 85 years of experience, Zachry Construction Corporation was formed in 2008 and has worked on projects from Dallas to Moscow. The Odebrecht Organization, founded in Brazil in 1944, is one of the largest international contractors in the world with an emphasis on public sector infrastructure projects.