SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

PROJECT UPDATES

HUDSON I-94

The Hudson I94 project, managed by Jason Ivers, began on September 1, 2024, and is located between Hudson and Roberts. Expected to conclude by November 1, 2026, the project is currently 1% complete, with initial work focusing on the median and traffic control. In the past month, pre-construction tasks were completed, including surveying, traffic control setup, mobilization, and erosion control.

Next month’s work will involve hauling borrow excavation, installing storm sewers, placing gravel, paving temporary roadways, and constructing temporary structures. So far, the project has not faced any weather delays, but safety remains a concern due to daily lane closures and night work to haul the base course. Also, coordination with local traffic for borrow excavation from town roads will be necessary.

A key milestone is to complete the temporary roadways and bridges before the winter suspension. One of the project’s standout contributors is estimator Kyle Pedersen, who bid on the project, secured borrow agreements, and completed all startup paperwork, ensuring a smooth transition into the preconstruction phase. The Hudson project closely mirrors the Woodville project, from a few years ago, with temporary roadways and bridges being built first. One direction of the bridges will be completed in 2025, followed by the other in 2026, after which the temporary roadways will be removed.

East Grand Forks

The East Grand Forks TH 220 project in Minnesota, which began on May 13, 2024, was completed on schedule by August 19, 2024. As of July, the project was 80% complete, with key accomplishments including the completion of crushing over 8.5 miles and the near completion of 268,000 square yards of fabric, which was expected to be finished by July 23. At that point, Michels had laid 4 miles of concrete out of the planned 8.5 miles. In August, the remaining tasks involved shouldering and installing culvert pipes in driveways.

Rain caused minor delays throughout the job, but no safety concerns were reported. The major milestone—completing the crushing and fabric work to allow concrete paving—was successfully reached. As a subcontractor to Michels, Hoffman Construction handled track crushing, fabric installation, gravel placement, and culvert installation over 8.5 miles of Highway 220. Despite weather impacts, the project was completed on time, significantly upgrading the roadway north of East Grand Forks.

Red Wing

The Red Wing project, managed by Brian Aebly, began on May 1, 2024, and is expected to be completed by July 1, 2025. Currently, 65% of the work is complete. Recent work includes finishing the east end of Sturgeon Lake Road, constructing the west bridge abutment MSE wall, and completing storm sewer work along the Island Lake Connector. Next month, the team will focus on finishing the east bridge abutment, setting bridge girders by October, and completing trails and topsoil. The project will enter winter suspension once the MSE walls are finished.

The project remains on schedule despite longer-than-expected utility work and coordination with railroad traffic. Milestones include completing the MSE walls and bridge work before winter. Key team members include laborers Brian Lofquist and Vanessa Carrillo, who have been monitoring utilities, and project leads John Jankowski and Chad Keuter, overseeing construction of a new wall style with a focus on safety and precision. The project, which services Treasure Island Casino, involves various tasks, including excavation, crushing, storm sewer installation, and MSE wall construction, with substantial completion expected by the end of 2024.

Hoffman and Antigo Construction Make Recycling a Win for Everyone

Check out how Hoffman Construction and Antigo Construction are turning old pavement into a sustainable base for Wisconsin highways. Watch the WTBA video and read the article to see why it’s a “win-win-win” for everyone!

INTERN SPOTLIGHT!

Heidi Williams

Summer Intern

We’re excited to highlight Heidi Williams, a sophomore at the Milwaukee School of Engineering majoring in Civil Engineering with a focus on Construction Management. Over the summer, Heidi interned with us at Osseo and Brackett, where she gained hands-on experience in various construction tasks, including working night shifts and collaborating with our team.

Originally from Kodiak Island, Alaska, and a Black River Falls High School graduate, Heidi secured her internship through her hard work and dedication.

She appreciated the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and enjoyed becoming a valued part of the team.

Outside of her studies, Heidi is a track and field athlete at MSOE and has already traveled to five countries, with plans to visit three more this summer. As Heidi heads back to school, we wish her the best of luck and look forward to her continued success!

Jake Schmitt

Summer Intern

We’re excited to spotlight Jake Schmitt, a junior at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) majoring in Civil Engineering with a focus on Construction Management. Over the summer, Jake interned with us on the Glendale project, where he made a great impression through his hard work and eagerness to learn. His supervisor, Travis Giese, praised Jake for his dedication and quick adaptation, noting his positive contributions throughout the season.

Jake’s connection to Hoffman Construction came through family friend Gary Kaas, who has ties to Black River Falls. During his internship, Jake gained valuable insight into road construction, from materials and equipment to project costs. He especially enjoyed working alongside experienced team members like Travis, Tim, Troy, Kevin, Bryce, and Parker, and appreciated the close-knit, family atmosphere at Hoffman.

Outside of work, Jake is passionate about wrestling and serves as the captain of MSOE’s wrestling team. Having wrestled since fifth grade, he also enjoys spending time with his brother Wyatt, whether gaming or fishing. One day, Jake hopes to travel with his family to Italy, where they plan to explore Sicily and Rome and enjoy authentic Italian food. As Jake heads back to school, we wish him the best of luck in his studies and can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next!