Independent Quality Oversight for a Critical Texas Corridor

Quality at the Core of Texas’ I‑35 Northeast Expansion Program

The is among the most significant transportation investments underway in Texas. Designed to relieve congestion, improve safety and support long‑term mobility, the program targets a critical corridor serving the San Antonio region. Delivering infrastructure at this scale requires more than design and construction expertise — it demands disciplined, independent quality oversight to protect public investment and deliver long-term value.

Modernizing One of Texas’ Most Congested Interstate Corridors

Spanning several counties, the multi-phase I-35 NEX Program is modernizing one of Texas’ most congested interstate corridors through toll-free elevated lanes, new connector bridges, enhanced interchanges and supporting infrastructure. These improvements are designed to accommodate population growth, regional commuting and freight movement. As the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) advances this complex program, independent quality assurance connects early design decisions to field execution.

Building Quality Assurance into the Program from the Start

Since 2021, Atlas has served as an independent quality partner on this program, providing oversight across multiple phases and supporting outcomes that matter to project owners and the communities they serve. In this role, Atlas helps strengthen decision‑making and promotes consistency across delivery teams operating within a complex, multi-phase environment.

Atlas’ involvement began during the design stage of the I-35 NEX Central project — a $1.5 billion effort covering 9.5 miles from I‑410 North to FM 3009 — when the firm was selected to provide independent design quality assurance services. These efforts included design reviews aligned with TxDOT requirements, design‑build contract criteria and accepted engineering practices, helping strengthen constructability and reduce downstream risk early in the program.

That early engagement established a strong technical foundation for large-scale construction and continues to guide Atlas’ role on the project today. On the I-35 NEX Central phase, Atlas provides ongoing quality oversight supporting elevated lanes with direct connectors, curved steel girder bridges and complex foundation systems.

Independent Construction Quality Assurance on I-35 NEX South  

That foundation carried directly into construction. In 2024, Atlas was awarded the independent quality assurance services contract for Phase 1 of the I‑35 NEX South Project, an effort to deliver 4.2 miles of toll‑free improvements between I‑410 South and I‑410 North. Serving as both the Professional Services Quality Assurance Firm and Independent Quality Firm, Atlas manages a comprehensive quality program encompassing design reviews, field inspections, materials testing, audits and construction oversight. This work supports elevated viaduct construction utilizing prestressed concrete beams and concrete piers. Within a joint‑venture delivery structure, Atlas provides objective, third‑party oversight that supports accountability and confidence throughout construction.

Protecting Public Investment Through Independent Quality Assurance

Beyond technical execution, independent quality assurance plays a vital role in protecting public investment while supporting safer travel, longer service life and infrastructure that better serves economic activity and daily mobility throughout the region.

“Atlas is proud to partner on the I‑35 NEX Program and help positively impact the San Antonio region,” said Tom Price, Atlas Infrastructure President. “Our work — from design quality reviews to independent construction oversight — reflects how we support DOTs in Texas and across the country on complex programs: steady, objective and focused on consistency across every phase. This approach helps reduce surprises, strengthens accountability and supports infrastructure that makes moving through major cities safer and more reliable for everyone.”

Learn more about Atlas’ Quality Management services.��