Dear friends and fellow Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association supporters,
Spring can’t get here soon enough. As I write this, there is a mixture of freezing rain and sleet falling outside, and travel this morning is a little treacherous. One positive thing is that I’m going to use this day in the office to focus my energy on reviewing our safety and training needs for the upcoming season and ensure that the programs we are putting together address these needs appropriately.
One of the biggest challenges we all face is attracting and retaining good talent. I believe that investing in this talent through continual safety and operational training is key to developing and keeping the next generation in our industry.
Safety and quality must be at the forefront of everything we do to ensure that we can remain competitive and relevant in the marketplace. Owners have a choice of pavement types, so to remain the product of choice, we must be able to safely provide a product that meets or exceeds their expectations.
On another note, AAPA is truly excited for the upcoming Partnering and Leadership Summit on March 17-18. This is a great opportunity for us to continue to strengthen our partnership with ARDOT, and we are excited to get to formally welcome the new ARDOT Director, Jared Wiley.
“Safety and quality must be at the forefront of everything we do to ensure that we can remain competitive and relevant in the marketplace. Owners have a choice of pavement types, so to remain the product of choice, we must be able to safely provide a product that meets or exceeds their expectations.”
Also, please be on the lookout for information about the upcoming Annual Convention on April 29-May 1 in Branson.
I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Brandon Finn, AAPA Chairman
Brandon Finn
1st Quarter 2025 Contents
AGC Representative
Vice Chairman CK Asphalt
Cindy Williams
Time Striping
Benson Cashion Secretary/Treasurer The Cashion Co.
Lane Loper Asphalt & Fuel Supply
Brandon Finn Chairman Emery Sapp & Sons
D.B. Hill, III
Max Mathis NAPA Representative Blackstone Construction
Murry Cline Past Chairman APAC-Central, Inc.
Vince Tate Martin Marietta
Brad Marotti
Delta Asphalt of Arkansas
Steve Forsgren Forsgren, Inc.
Bobby Kennedy
Brian Kelso EL Chairman Delta Asphalt of Arkansas
Nick Haynes SN Contractors
AAPA / ARDOT Partnering & Leadership Summit
AAPA is happy to announce an upcoming Communication, Leadership, and Collaboration Summit!
When: March 17-18, 2025
Where: Embassy Suites Little Rock Cost: $125 per person
This summit offers a unique opportunity to enhance your leadership skills while learning how to foster a positive, productive work environment. Attendees will benefit from interactive sessions focused on driving excellence through effective communication and teamwork. With ARDOT personnel in attendance, this is the perfect chance to build valuable relationships, strengthen collaboration, and contribute to the future success of Arkansas’s road projects.
AGENDA:
Monday, March 17
5:30-6:30 PM - Cocktail Hour
7:00-9:00 PM - Reception & Dinner with Award Presentations
Guest Speaker: Rex Vines
Tuesday, March 18
8:00-11:30 AM - Partnering & Leadership
Summit: Presenter: Renowned speaker, Jon Harrison of VIP Leadership. Jon is a former executive of Caterpillar and has trained thousands of people all over the world. Check out jonharrisonvip.com for more info. Register on the AAPA website: www.arasphalt.com You won’t want to miss it!
Extended Deadline: March 10, 2025
ARDOT Names New Director, Promotes from Within
It wasn’t a job title he planned on, but on January 11, 2025, Jared Wiley moved into the Director’s office at the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT). He replaced ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor and is only the sixth person to serve in this role in the last 52 years.
Wiley describes himself as a research-and-data-driven guy, and over the last 20 years, he said his career goal is “to show up for work each day and work hard.”
These days, he oversees the state’s third-largest agency, which has approximately 3,900 employees stationed around Arkansas and manages 16,418 miles of state and U.S. highways.
by Deborah Horn
Jared Wiley
“It’s a big job, but ARDOT has a dedicated group of employees,” Wiley said.
He said his first few weeks on the job have been “fast-paced.” No surprise there. The Arkansas Legislature’s 2025 session kicked into high gear on Jan. 13, two days after his official start date. He had a short learning curve. As part of his new job, Wiley is hyperfocused on any and all proposed legislative bills and actions that might negatively or positively impact his department.
Taking on a New Role
The Arkansas Highway Commission (AHC) announced Wiley’s appointment to the Directorship following their Dec. 4, 2024, Executive Meeting. He would take the leadership role the day following
Tudor’s official Jan. 10 retirement date.
Alec Farmer, an AHC member whose term recently ended, spoke for the Commission, stating, “The Department is very fortunate to have a deep pool of highly qualified talent to choose from in selecting the next director.”
Keith Gibson, AHC Member, said, “There were many qualified candidates, but Jared’s knowledge and the respect he’s earned as a professional set him apart.” Farmer added, “We know Jared will do an excellent job leading ARDOT and the entire team.”
In addition to assuming a role as liaison between ARDOT and members of the Arkansas Legislature and Gov. Sarah Sanders, Wiley will work closely with AHC Members. Gibson added, “Jared has the skill and ability to work well with others.”
Farmer added, “The Commission looks forward to working with him in this new role.”
Park Estes, Executive Director of the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA), watched Wiley’s impressive and meteoric rise at ARDOT.
He said, “First, I want to congratulate Jared on his new leadership position at ARDOT. He is smart, driven, and brings an uncanny attentive-to-detail talent to the director’s office. The AAPA Board, its staff and members look forward to working with him and the entire department.”
AAPA wants to continue its close collaborative partnership that started under former ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor and welcomed the entire asphalt industry and ARDOT’s partners.
“We offer our full support to Jared and the Highway Department staff going forward,” Estes added.
Building His Own Legacy
Wiley said he stands in the shadow of great ARDOT Directors, and “Each left their own mark.”
For example, Dan Flowers brought the department into the modern era, while a few years later, Scott Bennett focused on integrating early technology, such as computers, software, and email into their roadway designs and the contractor bid processes.
Under Tudor, the department utilized the latest technology, reaching beyond the office and into the field. Many are now coupled with AI (artificial intelligence) in some off-campus sites that connect directly to ARDOT. Two recent examples include the installation of Wrong-Way Detection Systems on interstate offramps, and Drivewize, an in-cab traffic management and alert system. Both are designed to increase driver safety. Tudor also restructured
ARDOT’s departments and districts, focusing on employee-and-partner building and on-the-job safety.
Wiley said he plans to follow this already established path and expand upon it.
Flowers, Bennett, and Tudor struggled to source and maintain adequate funding to keep ARDOT operational.
“It wasn’t always easy. Scott and Lorie worked hard on funding. In 2015, we had to cancel our overlay program (because of a lack of state funding to match federal dollars). It impacted the public and our partners,” Wiley recalled.
That changed in 2020, when Arkansas voters made Issue 1’s half-cent sales tax permanent, worth about $300 million annually, along with the $95 million that Act 416 provided and federal funding. This will allow Wiley to focus elsewhere on improving primary and secondary roadways and possibly consider constructing new ones. However, Wiley said this doesn’t mean they can loosen ARDOT’s purse strings, and as in the past, they will make every dollar count.
Moving Forward
ARDOT’s Preservation Program will remain front-
ARDOT Director Jared Wiley (left), his wife Jessica (center), and Saline County Judge Matt Brumley (right).
and-center as his staff strives to maintain quality and improve Arkansas’s roadways while fostering the upcoming generation of employees, which is essential to the department’s long-term success. It’s hard to see around the next corner, but Wiley feels he and his staff must be ready for whatever comes over the next few years.
Wiley said, “Technology is rapidly changing, and we’re doing our best to encourage our staff to educate themselves on the latest innovations, on AI. It’s going to transform the workplace.”
Gibson agreed, “It’s impossible to predict the impact AI and other technologies currently under development will have on the road design. It will be a key going forward.”
While more than 20 years ago, the design process shifted from paper to computers, designs can now be done as 3-D models. More than just lines on a flat page, it incorporates lidar imaging, drones, maps, realworld photos, and more to create it, Wiley said.
An Early Start at ARDOT
Like many other Arkansas engineering students, Wiley started his ARDOT career as a summer intern with the Engineering Department in Hot Springs. In 2005, he graduated Cum Laude from Arkansas State University (ASU) in Jonesboro with a Bachelor of
Science degree in engineering with an emphasis in civil engineering.
He immediately went to work for ARDOT’s Planning and Research Division.
“It was a good fit,” Wiley recalled, sitting in his 10thfloor office a few weeks ago.
While in the department’s Planning Branch in Little Rock, he oversaw traffic count and roadway inventory programs.
He advanced until he was promoted to Consultant Coordinator in the office of the Deputy Director and Chief Engineer in 2013. The following year, he was promoted to Assistant Division Head of the Transportation Planning and Policy Division.
About 16 months later, he became the division head of program management, and in 2020, he was named Assistant Chief Engineer for Planning under Tudor. In April 2023, he was promoted to Chief Engineer for Preconstruction, a role he held until he was appointed Director.
Wiley has two decades of experience in transportation planning and programming, project management and leadership. Moreover, he’s “passionate about leading teams, streamlining processes, and delivering quality.”
He’s all about making “a difference to the citizens of Arkansas.”
Bluff City - photo taken by Jared Wiley when he and his family visited the White Oak Lake State Park near Bluff City. They have visited each of Arkansas’s 52 state parks.
Jared Wiley - A Short Bio
• Wiley is a Registered Professional Engineer and an active member of A-State’s College of Engineering and Computer Science Alumni Academy.
• He was awarded the Director’s Diamond Arkansas Department of Transportation Award in 2019, and in 2022, he was named Transportation Vanguard Award Nominee by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The same year, ASU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science named him an Alumni Academy Member.
• He is also a member of AASHTO and is involved in funding and finance, active transportation, and planning committees.
• Wiley and his wife, Jessica, live near Benton and have four children and three dogs. He enjoys outdoor activities with his family such as hunting, fishing, and camping, and his family recently completed a visit to each of Arkansas’s 52 state parks.
• He is also an avid collector of lapel pins.
ARDOT Director Jared Wiley (right) and his wife, Jessica.
Technologies to Mitigate Aging Effects on Asphalt Binder
By Raquel Moraes & Nam Tran
Reprinted with permission from NCAT
Untreated wood could be used for making outdoor furniture, but exposure to rain, sun, and varying temperatures will cause it to warp, crack, and decay quickly. To enable outdoor furniture to withstand harsh elements for years, treated wood is commonly used, as it goes through a process where chemicals are infused into the wood to help it resist decay, insects, and weathering. To extend this concept to asphalt pavements, a new category of additives has been explored to boost asphalt mixtures’ resistance to aging from UV radiation, oxidation, and temperature fluctuations, keeping them flexible and durable longer.
Additive 1: A thermosetting two-phase chemical system composed of Phase A, which is an epoxy resin, and Phase B, which is a base asphalt binder with an epoxy crosslinker.
Additive 2: A hybrid system of ground tire rubber (GTR) powder and a polymeric compound.
Additive 3: A hybrid anti-aging technology system consisting of a high polymer content continuous phase styrenic block copolymer and a pine-based chemical recycling agent.
Additive 4: A bio-derived polymer made from epoxidized soybean oil.
A research project funded by the FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research Program was aimed to identify aging-resistant technologies that could mitigate the damaging effects of aging on asphalt binders and mixtures. In this project, NCAT and GHK partnered with five industry collaborators—Blacklidge Emulsions, Chemco Systems, Iowa State University, Kraton Corporation, and Lehigh Technologies—to evaluate five candidate aging-resistant additives, each with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2 or 3:
Additive 5: A proprietary blend of biosynthetic, petroleum-based, and rheology modifiers.
Laboratory work included three experiments. The first experiment selected two base binders to assess the effectiveness of the aging-resistant additives. The second experiment examined the rheological and chemical properties of the base binders and their blends with each additive and recycled binder before and after exposure to oxidation and UV radiation. Finally, the third experiment focused on asphalt mixtures, testing their resistance to cracking and
simulating the potential life-extending benefits of these additives using the pavement analysis software FlexPAVE™ developed by North Carolina State University.
In the first experiment, six base binders from different sources were evaluated, and two base binders were selected: Binder 1 (PG 64-16, from the South Central United States) and Binder 5 (PG 64-28, from Western Canada). They represent the wide range of rheological and aging behaviors in North American asphalt binders. Although these binders have a similar high-temperature performance grade (PGH), their aging behavior and chemical composition differ. After Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and 20-hour Pressurized Aging Vessel (PAV20) aging, Binder 1 is m-controlled with low-temperature performance grade (PGL) of -16oC and ΔTc = -6.2°C, while Binder 5 is controlled by stiffness with PGL of -28oC and ΔTc = +0.4°C, differing two PGL grades from Binder 1. After RTFO and 60-hour PAV (PAV60) aging, the ΔTc of Binder 1 drops to -14.7°C, whereas the ΔTc of Binder 5 was -3.9°C, which is better than the ΔTc of Binder 1 after RTFO and 20-hour PAV aging.
In the second experiment, the five aging-resistant additives were evaluated by comparing the modified binders with each additive to the respective neat base binders and their blends with recycled binder after RTFO, 60-hour PAV, and UV aging. A comprehensive suite of rheological and chemical tests were conducted on these binders and their blends. The results showed that the effectiveness of the aging-resistant additives varied based on the base binder and, in some cases, the presence of recycled binder. All five additives helped reduce the negative effects of aging in neat binders and their blends with the recycled binder. However, they proved more effective in Binder 1 with poor relaxation properties (m-controlled, more negative ΔTc), where improvements in the phase angle directly translated to better low-temperature performance. Although no direct evidence indicates that these additives slow oxidation kinetics, they may offer significant benefits in stabilizing Binder 1, especially when blended with recycled binder.
While the additives were likely selected for their aging-resistant potential to disrupt and decelerate oxidation, which leads to the formation of ketones (carbonyl groups), the complex nature of asphalt oxidation has long resisted a purely chemical solution. Instead, the most practical strategy appears to be using age-stable rheological modifiers that restore molecular mobility and enhance relaxation properties where they are needed most. Findings from the second experiment showed that formulating a rheology modifier (i.e., an additive that alters the flow and deformation behavior of the asphalt binder) can be challenging, but a few guidelines may help:
1. Improve ΔTc by increasing the binder phase angle as much as possible for any given binder modulus.
2. Soften the binder without sacrificing PGH, but try to improve ΔTc. Consider bio-based or aromatic/naphthenic petroleum-based oils. Do not use saturated fats, aliphatic oils, or waxes that precipitate/crystallize at low temperatures or create compatibility issues with asphaltenes.
3. Protect the ΔTc-enhancing additive during extended aging by choosing stable modifiers that will not degrade substantially or crosslink over time. Mono-unsaturated fats with protected or crosslinked double bonds are usually the best bio-based additives. Beware of polyunsaturated fatty molecules if double bonds are not protected, and do not use heat-stable saturated fats that crystallize at low temperatures.
4. Add polymer modifiers to regain lost rutting resistance if more rejuvenator oil is needed to restore and preserve relaxation. Also, polymers can be used to improve binder failure strains at low temperatures. When used as a parameter for cracking specifications, ΔTc may unfairly penalize polymers. This deficiency can be corrected with a test for failure properties.
5. Recycled binders are a valuable resource, but mixtures with high recycled contents require careful control of relaxation properties.
The third experiment assessed the effect of five additives on the resistance of asphalt mixtures to aging and fatigue resistance. The experiment compared the cracking resistance of asphalt mixtures modified with each additive to the respective unmodified mixtures using the Dynamic Modulus (|E*|) and Cyclic Fatigue tests under three aging conditions, including shortterm oven aging (STOA) on the loose mix, long-term oven aging (LTOA) on the loose mix, and the NCAT Accelerated Weathering System (NAWS).
From those tests, the mixture Glover-Rowe parameter (G-Rm) and black space diagrams were determined to evaluate each mixture’s resistance to cracking. The Cyclic Fatigue test, in conjunction with the |E*|, was also used to evaluate the damage accumulation characteristics of each mixture under different aging conditions. This assessment was based on the fatigue cracking performance parameter, Sapp, and predicted pavement fatigue damage using FlexPAVE, considering the effects of short-term aging properties, traffic, climate, and pavement structure. An effective additive would lower the G-Rm parameter, increase the Sapp parameter, and reduce fatigue damage. As shown in Figure 1c, the use of some additives positively reduced the fatigue damage in the simulated pavement structure. However, the degree of improvement in mechanical properties and aging resistance varied depending on the additive and the base binder used in the mixtures, as illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b.
This study introduces a new classification of additives that can help improve the aging resistance and durability of asphalt mixtures. It also provides a framework for evaluating such additives that could improve the long-term performance of asphalt pavements.
Contact Raquel Moraes (left) at moraes@auburn. edu or Nam Tran (right) at nam.tran@auburn.edu for more information about this research.
Congratulations to Robert McCollum, a Senior Materials Inspector for District 10 out of the Paragould RE office, on being awarded an AAPA Partnering Coin!
Words from Delta:
“Rob has demonstrated a great partnership through each of the partnering values that the Arkansas Asphalt Paving Association has put forth: Open Communication, Collaboration and Teamwork, Commitment to Quality, Innovation and Improvement, Dedication to Safety, Integrity and Accountability. Rob is always willing to listen to any of our concerns or suggestions and addresses them as necessary without bias and in a timely manner….He has gone above and beyond to witness technicians sample asphalt from trucks and discusses proper sampling techniques to minimize variability in sampling between contractor and Rob McCollum (left) & Dylan Eubanks, Delta QC Manager.
ARDOT, which results in test data being representative of the products being produced. An example of his dedication to safety, he recognized a concern with a dump truck that had high side boards and coordinated with us to shuffle trucks to ensure that an acceptance sample was not loaded on that truck. Sampling from that truck would have required the technician to transfer hot mix from the truck to the sample pan at head height, posing a risk of hot mix falling onto the technician and causing potential burns. Safety in the workplace is very important for contractors in the workplace and Rob does his part in helping achieve the goal zero safety record.”
How to Handle Asphalt Paving in High-Traffic Areas
Planning, Fast-Setting Asphalt Mixes, Safety and More
By John Weber
Reprinted with permission from Equipment &
Paving in high-traffic areas — such as highways, city streets, and commercial zones — poses unique challenges for contractors. Managing traffic flow, ensuring worker safety, and minimizing disruptions while maintaining the quality of the pavement requires strategic planning and specialized techniques. This guide will cover the best practices and tips for handling asphalt paving in these busy environments.
Plan Ahead: Detailed Traffic Management and Scheduling
The key to a successful high-traffic paving project is meticulous planning. Start by developing a
Contracting
comprehensive traffic management plan that includes:
• Lane closures: Determine the optimal times for lane closures based on traffic patterns. Nights, weekends, or off-peak hours may be the best times to minimize disruptions.
• Detour routes: Clearly mark and communicate detour routes to minimize confusion for drivers. Coordinate with local traffic agencies and stakeholders to ensure smooth traffic flow.
• Public communication: Inform the public and local businesses well in advance of the project start date. Use digital signage, social media, and local news outlets to provide real-time updates.
Use Fast-Setting Asphalt Mixes for Quick Turnaround
When working in high-traffic areas, downtime needs to be minimized. Consider using fast-setting asphalt mixes, such as:
• Warm mix asphalt (WMA): Cools faster than traditional hot mix asphalt, allowing for quicker reopening of lanes.
• Polymer-modified asphalt: Offers enhanced durability and faster curing times, making it ideal for areas with heavy traffic loads. Using these specialized mixes can significantly reduce the time needed before the road can be reopened to traffic.
Employ Efficient Paving Techniques
Speed and efficiency are paramount in high-traffic paving projects. Here are a few techniques that can help:
• Pave in long, continuous stretches: This minimizes the number of joints and reduces the risk of weak spots in the pavement.
• Use tandem rolling: Employ two or more rollers working together to achieve faster and more consistent compaction.
• Deploy shuttle buggies: These can help maintain a
consistent flow of asphalt to the paver, reducing the chance of segregation and improving the overall quality of the pavement.
Prioritize Worker Safety
High-traffic environments increase the risk of accidents, making safety a top priority. Implement these measures to protect your crew:
• High-visibility gear: Ensure all workers wear highvisibility clothing, especially during nighttime or low-light conditions.
• Barrier protection: Use physical barriers — such as cones, barrels, and barricades — to create a buffer zone between traffic and the work area.
• Spotters and flaggers: Designate spotters and flaggers to help direct traffic and keep vehicles at a safe distance from the crew.
Invest in Real-Time Traffic Monitoring
Leverage technology to manage traffic flow effectively. Real-time traffic monitoring systems can provide live updates on congestion, allowing you to adjust your work schedule or lane closures as needed. Mobile apps and GPS-based solutions can help contractors stay informed about changing traffic conditions.
Use Temporary Pavement Markings for Driver Guidance
Clear, temporary pavement markings are essential for guiding drivers through construction zones safely. Use reflective tape, paint, or temporary markers that are easily visible — even at night or in poor weather conditions.
• Consider thermoplastic markings: These offer excellent visibility and durability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Regularly inspect markings: Check temporary markings frequently and replace any that have worn away or become less visible.
Monitor Quality Control with Intelligent Compaction
Maintaining high-quality pavement in a high-traffic area can be challenging, especially with tight deadlines. Intelligent compaction technology can help ensure a consistent, durable surface by providing real-time feedback on compaction levels.
• Track density in real-time: Use GPS-equipped rollers to monitor and adjust compaction efforts based on live data.
• Reduce the risk of over or under-compaction:
Intelligent compaction helps prevent issues that can lead to premature pavement failures, such as cracking or rutting.
Prepare for Emergencies and Unexpected Delays
High-traffic projects are more susceptible to unexpected issues, such as equipment breakdowns or sudden traffic surges. Have a contingency plan in place that includes:
• Backup equipment and crews: Ensure backup equipment and personnel are on standby in case of mechanical issues or labor shortages.
• Emergency contact list: Keep an up-to-date list of contacts — including local traffic authorities, emergency services, and subcontractors — for quick communication in case of an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Handling asphalt paving in high-traffic areas requires strategic planning, efficient execution, and a strong focus on safety and quality. By employing specialized mixes, using advanced technologies, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders and the public — contractors can successfully complete projects while minimizing disruptions.
ARDOT Selected to Receive $24.9 Million Federal RAISE Grant for Corning Bypass
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded a $24.9 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).
The funding provided by this RAISE grant will be used toward the construction of a 4-mile highway that bypasses U.S. Highway 67 around the west side of Corning. The Corning Bypass is part of a larger, multistate effort to complete Future Interstate 57 between Walnut Ridge and Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
“When complete, the Interstate 57 Corridor will improve mobility and enhance economic development for our state and the region,” ARDOT Director Jared D. Wiley said.
“I am grateful to Senator Boozman and Congressman Crawford for their support of this project,” Wiley said. “Through their efforts, Arkansas has received an additional $17.4 million in Congressionally Directed Funding specifically for Interstate 57, bringing the total amount of additional funding to $42.3 million for this project.”
“Our staff worked hard to develop a strong grant application, and I am proud to see that their labor is bearing great fruit.”
—Jared Wiley, ARDOT Director
The Corning Bypass will be a four-lane, fully controlled access facility that will include two interchanges with U. S. Highway 67. The project will provide an alternate route for commercial trucks around Corning’s downtown business district and will improve safety and quality of life for residents.
“This transportation grant funding will be used to assist ARDOT as we work to complete the missing link in the transportation network that will ultimately connect the Little Rock metropolitan area with Chicago via an Interstate highway,” Wiley said.
The RAISE program is one of several competitive grant programs providing funding to communities across the country. During this funding cycle, the USDOT awarded $1.32 billion in grant funding for more than 109 projects across the country.
Five other Arkansas recipients were awarded RAISE grants during this funding cycle. Rock Region Metropolitan Transit Authority received $5.4 million to design a replacement of their transit station. The City of Fort Smith received nearly $25 million to construct 9.3 miles of active transportation facilities. Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission received $25 million to construct side paths along 17.5-miles of Highway 112 in connection with upcoming ARDOT projects to improve the corridor.
The City of Mena received $3.3 million to create an active transportation plan, master street plan, ADA transition plan, and a complete streets policy. The City of Hot Springs received $2.3 million to plan four new multi-use trails.
“Our staff worked hard to develop a strong grant application, and I am proud to see that their labor is bearing great fruit, Wiley said. “We appreciate the United States Department of Transportation’s recognition of the national importance of the Interstate 57 Corridor.”
Visit the USDOT website to read more about the RAISE Grant process.
Delta Companies Inc. Announces Rebranding, Regional Consolidation Under Delta Name
CAPE GIRARDEAU, M.O. - Delta Companies Inc. (Delta), a Colas company and subsidiary of Reeves Construction Company (Reeves), has completed a rebranding effort in response to accelerating company growth and streamlining the operations of its multiple sub-brands.
Delta is a leading, vertically integrated transportation construction company in the Missouri-Arkansas region, with numerous aggregate locations, asphalt plants, a liquid asphalt terminal, an emulsions plant, and multiple local construction offices.
Over the past 7 months, Delta Companies and its regional divisions have renewed a united corporate vision and created a new brand identity under the name: Delta.
Speaking about the impact of the rebrand, Brad Marotti, Vice-President of the Delta Division of Reeves, shared, “The Delta team is very excited about everything we have accomplished and the trajectory of the company. The dedication of our employees, the trusted relationships we’ve built over 100 years, and the global strength of COLAS, all combine to make Delta a force in the construction industry across southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas. We believe that this rebrand will better convey the future vision of Delta and set us up for success in 2025 and beyond.”
The bold new company logo design is a visual spinoff of the Reeves corporate logo, and delivers a
Pat Nelson is New
NAPA Chairman
modern take on traffic movement and pavement lines running parallel, forming pathways, and connecting communities and people.
Zach Green, President of Reeves, said, “Delta’s new company brand honors our long-standing legacy in the region, and also encapsulates feedback from our Delta team - the real people doing the hard work on the ground. We look forward to rolling out the rebrand across Delta locations and our fleet in the next few months.
Our dedicated employees were integral in the rebranding process, and the new brand launching today represents their spirit of accomplishment, dedication and service.”
To learn more about Delta and explore its products and services, please visit www.deltacos.com.
About Delta Companies Inc.
Delta Companies Inc. is a highway and site development contractor specializing in asphalt paving and road construction materials across the greater Missouri-Arkansas region. Delta is a division of Reeves Construction Company and a member of the COLAS family of global companies. Delta performs a wide range of infrastructure and transportation work, including asphalt paving; aggregate base construction; site development; airport construction; grading; and drainage. Learn more at www.deltacos.com.
At this year’s NAPA Annual Meeting in Maui, Pat Nelson of Lehman-Roberts (an AAPA member) took over as the new NAPA Board of Directors Chairman. He then gave a presentation and a challenge for NAPA members to raise $250,000 this legislative cycle for the NAPA Political Action Committee (PAC). Congratulations, Pat, and good luck!
The Uncertain Future of Federal Funding – A Conversation with NAPA’s Nile Elam
by Deborah Horn
After decades of federal highway funding fits and starts, America has enjoyed almost a half-decade of stability. However, that could change next year, according to one NAPA industry expert.
The five-year bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2026, without the promise of another, said Nile Elam, Vice President of the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s (NAPA) Government Affairs. The first measure, worth about $1.2 trillion, was passed during the administration of President Joe Biden and the 117th United States Congress in November 2021.
A few years earlier and during his first term (Jan. 20, 2017-Jan. 20, 2021), President Donald Trump tried to pass a highway funding bill, but it failed. During Trump’s second term, and with the help of a Republican-controlled 119th U.S. Congress and the Senate, Elam hopes a new bill can be hammered out and funded.
“We recognize that there’s spending fatigue in Washington…But the stars are aligned from a policy standpoint and maybe we can get something done,” he said in early February.
Elam believes this type of infrastructure funding will appeal to Trump, who is a property developer.
“While 2026 seems a long way away…Everyone knows (U.S.) Congress can move slowly. We need to begin work immediately,” Elam said. Already, he added, Congress’s Transportation Committee is also
Nile Elam
A CONVERSATION WITH NAPA’s NILE ELAM
holding their first hearings to discuss and review what they did wrong (on the first transportation bill) so they can start drafting a bill that hopefully can get done in time.
The first federal $1.2 trillion funding was allocated for transportation, bridges, clean water, broadband, and electrical grid improvements. However, Elam said that this time, his group would like to streamline the bill for transportation infrastructure use only.
Also, Elam said, “We don’t want short-term extensions…We want a robust, fully-funded bill (that will be funded) for as long as possible. Shortterm funding is like a death by a 1,000 cuts.”
Get Involved
“First and foremost, (we would like) members to come to Washington to NAPA’s Fly-in to the Transportation Construction Coalition (May 6 through May 8) and NAPA Hill Day (Sept. 8 through Sept. 10 in Savannah, GA),” Elam said.
In addition to joining NAPA and AAPA, industry stakeholders need to educate themselves, realize they have a vested interest in their own economic health, and reach out to those who can make a difference.
“Rep. Sam Graves, a Republican representing the 6th District of Missouri, is the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman and a great friend to the (road construction) industry,” Elam said.
Additionally, talk to your state legislators, he added. U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, 1st District, sits on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and Sen. John Boozman, 3rd District, sits on at least three committees dealing with infrastructure or funding. The Republican senior Senator is Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, and is a member of the Environment and Public Works, and the Appropriations Committee.
Rep. Steve Womack, 3rd District, is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.
Whether talking about rural or urban areas,
“America’s economy runs on our roads. Our national economy will struggle if we don’t have a viable and strong surface or transportation network. The next two years mean everything,” Elam said.
A Big Impact in Arkansas
In 2012, voters approved a temporary half-cent sales tax dedicated to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) to improve the state’s interstates and two-lane roads. This tax went before the voters again in 2020, but this time, a “yes vote” made it permanent.
Around the same time, IIJA was passed and in March 2024, Arkansas received $91 million in federal funding for highway construction projects.
“A multi-sourced adequate and reliable funding stream has been a game-changer in Arkansas, and under ARDOT, small and large road improvements or new construction projects have been or are happening in all of the state’s 75 counties,” said Park Estes, Executive Director of the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA).
Arkansas is one of the biggest trucking states in the country, and some of the heavily truck-traveled interstates are located in Northwest and Central Arkansas.
A stable funding stream allowed ARDOT to plan and execute large interstate projects. One of those included the recently completed I-30 Crossing in Little Rock. It’s one of the largest, and at $634 million,
I-30 Crossing in downtown Little Rock during construction near Ninth Street.
it’s the most expensive highway construction project ever undertaken in Arkansas. Park said, “It’s one example of how state and federal funding can be used to plan and execute large projects, without the worry and added expense of completing a project in phases.”
Elam said he is familiar with the work on I-30, and added, “That’s a great example of updating and modernizing.”
Unfortunately, in the past year-to-year, authorization packages often limited the scope of many projects a state’s transportation department attempted because of the uncertainty in funding. Elam continued, usually a job “takes months or years in the funding, planning, and execution.”
If you can’t predict beyond 90 or 180 days, “it’s challenging to get projects moving.”
I-30 Crossing in downtown Little Rock during construction looking south.
ARKANSAS
Federal-Aid Highway Program and the Asphalt Market
1,184
Total new project commitments 57% State capital spending supported by federal funds $2.5 billion
$329.8 million
Value of federal funds committed FY 22 to FY 24
Awarded through ten grants for road and bridge improvements 24% Of projects on National Highway System, supporting freight and related improvements $1.8 billion
Federal reimbursements to the state for work performed on new projects, FY 22 to FY 24
Value of Federal-Aid Highway Projects by Type of Work, FY 22 to FY 24
• The 2021 federal infrastructure law provides Arkansas with $3.90 billion to improve its roadway and bridge infrastructure network. The fourth installment of that five-year commitment is expected to be $678.84 million in FY 2025, which began October 1, 2024.
• Construction activity from the federal program, along with state investments, drives demand for asphalt materials and related services.
• Since 2022, the value of asphalt materials and related services has totaled $1.5 billion for projects put out to bid by the state. This amount does not include direct purchases or local highway work.
• Across the U.S., asphalt materials and related services accounted for about 25 percent of the value of all state Department of Transportation (DOT) projects bids.
Top Federal-Aid Project Commitments
Top Federal-Aid Project Commitments
The following are the largest formula fund projects supported by the Federal-Aid Highway Program that have moved forward since October 1, 2021. In addition to these projects, states committed funds towards eligible projects already underway.
The following are the largest formula fund projects supported by the Federal-Aid Highway Program that have moved forward since October 1, 2021. In addition to these projects, states committed funds towards
projects already underway.
Top Federal-Aid Grant Project Awards
The following are some of the largest projects that have been announced since October 1, 2021.
Top Federal-Aid Grant Project Awards
The following are some of the largest projects that have been announced since October 1, 2021
Visit www.explorebranson.com for a list of offsite activities/events.
On Tuesday, check into the Hilton Branson Convention Center (200 E. Main St.) and stop by the registration desk for your gift!
Join us for the Chairman’s Reception Tuesday evening at Top of the Rock’s spectacular Wine Event Room!
On Wednesday night, we will have a grand reception with buffet dinner and open bar, live and silent auction, and the always popular heads-or-tails game. Don’t forget to bring your auction items!
Wednesday morning presentations will be given by Jared Wiley, Rex Vines, and Sean O’Keane followed by activity options that include golf at Branson Hills or the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave Tour.
Thursday will close out the Convention with more guest presentations, followed by the installation of the 2025-2026 AAPA Board of Directors and the presentation of the Statewide Paving Awards.
Arkansas Asphalt News Quarterly Magazine
Keep up to date with the latest asphalt pavement industry news in Arkansas with the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association’s Quarterly digital Publication. Circulation for the AAPA quarterly magazine includes AAPA members, Arkansas Dept. of Transportation Officials, County Judges, City Officials, State Legislators, Consulting Engineers and other industry allies.
Advertising Rates
Ad space is available in the sizes listed below in full color. Placement of less than full page ads varies by quarter.
Full Page: $650 per issue
(7.50” wide X 10” tall)
Half Page: $550 per issue
(7.50” wide X 5” tall)
Third Page: $450 per issue
(2.75” wide X 10” tall)
Quarter Page: $350 per issue (3.75” wide X 5” tall)
Sixth Page: $275 per issue (5” wide X 2.5” tall)
Material Specifications
Completed ads must be press ready, 300 dpi, 150 line screen, 100% actual size, and include all embedded images and fonts. Submit ads electronically to: office@arasphalt.com
If you do not have a completed ad, we will set your ad for you for $25. Please submit your ad copy in one of the following formats: PDF, TIFF, EPS, JPG, along with any photos/logos to be included in the ad. You will receive an emailed ad proof to approve.
P.O. Box 24304
Little Rock, Arkansas 72221 (501) 219-1100
www.arasphalt.com office@arasphalt.com
Cranford Construction Company is Central Arkansas’ leading producer of quality asphalt and preferred asphalt contractor. Call today and put our team to work for you.
Greg Day, Sales: 501-416-4565 or greg.day@cranfordasphalt.com
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