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BRT East-West Project: One of the Largest Public Works Projects in City History
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The City of Madison is proud to celebrate its partnerships with several independent businesses making an important contribution to the community through Bus Rapid Transit. Coming in at $65.7 million, it’s one of the largest public works projects in City history.
Several Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) are doing the heavy lifting on the project, including Beson & Houle, Arbor Green, and ConCor. DBEs are independent businesses, 51 percent or more owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
BRT Project: Overall Construction Management
Zenith Tech is the prime contractor for the project, responsible for overseeing the construction of the new bus shelters and associated roadway improvements. The project had a goal of 14 percent DBE participation, and Zenith Tech far exceeded that goal, with 25 percent DBE participation. Subcontractors Beson & Houle, Arbor Green, and Com-Cor are the DBE’s on the project.
Working on a project this size can be a great opportunity for DBEs to grow their businesses, which creates an economic boost that has a ripple effect throughout the area.
“Zenith Tech (ZTI) is committed to supporting and growing the DBE community in Wisconsin,” Project Manager Nick Matthews said. ZTI routinely works with DBE’s across the state and have built good relationships as mentors and partners.
BRT Project: Bus Shelter Construction
DBE Beson & Houle (B&H), an ironworking company working on the bus shelters, has ten employees on the project.
“Being awarded the project involved a concerted effort,” DBE Beson and Houle Owner and Founder Jesse Houle said. “B&H actively and regularly pursues these types of projects and is well versed in quoting them.” B&H is experienced with project plans, specifications, and requirements.
The BRT project in Madison is on the larger side of a typical project for B&H because of the total number of shelters. B&H will build 40 shelters on the east-west line.
Jesse said that being part of the BRT project is a significant opportunity for B&H.
“It [Being a part of BRT Construction] not only reinforces our expertise in this domain but also opens doors for future collaborations and potential growth opportunities within the transportation sector,” Houle said. “Such projects also enhance our visibility and credibility within the industry. This project will most definitely continue to grow B&H’s reputation and sprout prosperous relationships within this industry.”
BRT Project: Erosion Control
DBE Arbor Green, a company of about 50 employees in Portage, Wis., is working on erosion control, restoration, trees, shrubs, roadway signing, modular block retaining walls, and sign structures for the BRT project. Joshua Wade is the Project Superintendent for Arbor Green and oversees the company’s work on the project. This project is both unique and challenging for Arbor Green.
“It means a lot to be able to work through this heavily urban environment to navigate our workload, while also knowing that once this is complete, it will be a staple of the bus system throughout the greater Madison area,” Joshua said.
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