Road and Highway Building
Small roads, massive highways, and even runways need to be constructed before they can be used. While some municipalities utilize town or city workers to tackle some of these projects, a road construction company like ours is often the best choice. After all, we do this work all the time, so we have the knowledge to do it properly and efficiently. Plus, we have the appropriate number of workers and equipment to finish the job successfully.
We own over 400 pieces of equipment and retain a team of estimators, engineers, project managers, foremen, surveyors, and highly trained operators. Our dedication ensures the best outcome for your investment – a job done exceedingly well, on time, and budget.
Our unlimited bonding capacity allows us to bid on jobs of any size and level of complexity.
Our ability to self-perform most of the work adds flexibility to meeting tight schedules and overcoming unforeseen obstacles during a project.
The Road Construction Process
Excavating, grading, and paving are not the only steps in the process. Let’s briefly look at all 4 phases of road construction, including what happens before the ground is even broken.
Phase 1: Planning
This multi-faceted step involves everything from site evaluation (including a review of the current soil/material on site) to project design. Planning also includes scheduling and logistics, such as securing the proper equipment, labor, and subcontractors.
Phase 2: Earthworks
This phase begins with site preparation to clear dirt, trees, and other vegetation. Some of what is removed may remain onsite to be used for erosion control or backfill. Before grading begins, the subgrade is prepared by adding or removing rock and dirt as necessary. This is known as “cut and fill.” Next will be the grading of the land and compacting to ensure the road has a stable foundation.
Earthworks equipment needs may include:
- Motor graders
- Excavators
- Crawler loaders
- Crawler dozers
- Scrapers
- Dump trucks
- Backhoes
- Skid steers
Phase 3: Aggregate
Crews will add a layer to the subgrade, usually called the aggregate or rock layer. A motor grader or crawler is often used to create a crown in the road surface for proper drainage. After grading is complete, the aggregate is compacted to solidify the base.
Aggregate equipment needs may include:
- Motor graders
- Crawler loaders
- Dump trucks
- Dozer
Phase 4: Paving
Trucks will bring in the hot asphalt mix for asphalt roads. A paver pushes the truck slowly to distribute the asphalt at the proper depth. A roller follows the paver to create optimal compaction.
For concrete roads, the process is more time-consuming and labor-intensive. A placer machine allows a concrete truck or dump truck to unload directly onto a conveyor belt. The belt places the concrete aggregate material and begins to spread it. Then, a slipform mover moves along to smooth the concrete. Next, a tinning machine makes grooves in the concrete to improve surface traction and drainage. After the concrete has dried, saw cuts or expansion joints are made to allow the concrete to expand and contract with temperature changes.