JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Chris Goss
President
So far, projects for 2024 have ranged from East Grand Forks, MN, to Glendale, WI, with 27 projects in between. Yep, that’s correct, we’ve had Hoffman team members on 29 projects this year! Some projects were punch-list tasks, but we were there.
The calendar for 2024 is more than half over, but the work isn’t. We’ve had a good start to 2024, but it’s been a bit muted due to the rains we’ve received in this first half. We’ll be looking forward to an increased workload in the second half.
We’ve done something different this year, we sent out surveys to many of the team with us. We had above-average participation, 81%, in those surveys. Thanks for taking the time to fill those out, it is appreciated! Our mission with those surveys is to continually Build Excellence with the result of Success at Hoffman Construction Company.
We’ve reviewed the survey responses internally and taken comments from some of our trusted outside advisors. More communication was a recurring theme. We have come up with three initiatives that we are focusing on to increase our communication: (1) Identifying, documenting, and communicating the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (“KSAs”) of our project managers, superintendents, and foremen so those folks can even better understand what is expected of them in their role at Hoffman; (2) Improving and implementing the Pre-Job Planning Process that will lead to better understanding of projects and better startups.; and (3) Creating a more regular and efficient communication of how progress on a project is performing (“Bird Reports”).
Over the next nine months, each of these initiatives has a team of about eight Hoffman folks working through steps of brainstorming improvements, developing the process, beta testing, creating training materials, and measuring results. At the end of the day, these next steps in communication will result in the Success of our teammates which leads to the Success of Hoffman because “our company is our people.”
HUDSON I-94 BRIDGES PROJECT AWARDED
We are excited to announce that Hoffman Construction has recently received the contract from WisDOT for a significant new project: the Hudson I-94 Bridges. This $20 million project will commence this fall and continue through the 2026 construction season.
We’re eager to kick off this major endeavor later this year and look forward to the progress we’ll achieve together.
As we move into the second half of the year, let’s maintain our commitment to SAFE and productive work. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication this season!

HOFFMAN PROJECT UPDATES
Brackett
The Brackett project, managed by Ray Fliflet, Mike Sylla, and Joel Pennekamp, is progressing well along I94 between Foster and Eau Claire. The project started in April 2024 and is expected to conclude in October 2026.
Currently, the team is constructing the first stage of temporary roadways in the median, which will be asphalt-paved this year and utilized for the next two years. This phase also includes installing temporary pipes, bridges, fills, gravel/asphalt, and night and staged work at the US 53 interchange.
Despite significant rain impacting the work zone, the crew has adapted by focusing on accessible areas. This month, grading, pipe installation, and mill and overlay operations were completed. Next month, the team aims to finish all median grading and bridges and prepare for asphalt paving starting September 15.
The crew has managed to maintain SAFETY while working around live traffic, requiring constant coordination with subcontractors and traffic control. However, wet conditions and drainage issues have posed challenges.
The goal is to complete the temporary roadways by November 15. Joel Pennekamp has been instrumental, leading a night crew to ensure ramps are closed and reopened on time, meeting all deadlines despite the challenges.
The dedication and flexibility of the entire team continue to drive the project’s success.




Glendale

Under the management of Travis Giese, the Glendale project (2301) on IH 43 is progressing steadily since its start on January 9, 2023, with an expected end date of June 30, 2025. The project is currently 72.71% complete, with approximately $54,000,000.00 of work remaining for this year.
This month, the team successfully completed stage 3B, transitioning the project into a major grading stage. Next month, the plan is to move 130,000 cubic yards of excavation using a 374 excavator and off-road vehicles, and to complete 28,000 square feet of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls.
Weather challenges have been persistent, but the team continues to advance the project. SAFETY remains the top priority, highlighted by United Rentals’ visit during Trench SAFETY Week (6/17 to 6/23), which included a Trench Stand Down discussion with subcontractors and a lunch and swag for the crews.
Daily SAFETY concerns involve managing limited space for multiple contractors and heavy hauling near ground workers, utilities, and public vehicle traffic.
Despite these challenges, the team is working diligently towards critical milestones, such as opening the Brown Deer ramps ahead of Summer Fest and delaying Brown Deer Road work due to RNC restrictions.
Superintendent Tim Roesler has excelled in managing multiple crews and operations, while Superintendent Troy Myher has done an outstanding job coordinating subcontractor work to ensure timely completion and seamless operations.
The dedication and coordination of the entire team are instrumental in driving the project’s success.
FACTS ABOUT WISCONSIN ROADS
Wisconsin’s First Concrete Road
The Driftless Area’s Unique Roads
Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, located in the southwestern part of the state, features some of the most challenging and scenic roads. This region, which includes parts of Vernon, Crawford, Richland, and Grant counties, was untouched by glaciers and is filled with steep hills, deep valleys, and winding roads. Road construction here requires exceptional engineering to navigate the rugged terrain and preserve the natural beauty. Driving through the Driftless Area offers a one-of-a-kind experience, showcasing Wisconsin’s diverse landscape and the skill of its road builders.
Wisconsin’s Historic Highway 41
Wisconsin’s Highway 41, originally part of the 1920s highway system, was one of the first roads to connect the state from north to south. This historic route stretches from the Illinois border all the way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, passing through major cities like Milwaukee and Green Bay. It’s part of the modern interstate system today, but its rich history as a vital transportation link remains a point of pride for Wisconsinites.
DIRTHOG FEATHERED TRIUMPHS




DIRTHOG VACATIONS
Please send us your fun family vacation photos for next month’s newsletter!
Send in your photos to [email protected] by August 9.
Did you submit your hunting success? If not you can still submit it to be shown on the website