Four Corners 8, April 9, 2023

Colorado Contractors Delivering CDOT’s 10-Year Vision for Future

Utah Hosts Annual Asphalt Conference

CDOT closed out the previous year by completing more than 100 projects, which included some of the largest endeavours in its construction portfolio.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is making significant progress on its 10-year transportation plan as it continues to make upgrades throughout the state.

CDOT closed out the previous year by completing more than 100 projects, which included some of the largest endeavours in its construction portfolio.

The agency also reported that it made it three back-toback years of paving the greatest number of rural road miles in years.

These are just some of the highlights included in a report CDOT released recently spotlighting its accomplishments and looking ahead to what is expected to be a “blockbuster” 2023 year.

CDOT completed 107 projects in total in 2022, including paving 538 mi. of rural roads. The department completed 23 projects from its 10-Year Plan in 2022 and put out 16 projects from the plan for bid. Going into the fifth year of

see VISION page 5

The Utah Asphalt Conference (UAC) returned to the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah, for its 9th conference and expo from March 28 to 29. More than 1,000 attendees were provided an opportunity to attend more than 30 education sessions to fit every need, including basic asphalt information, advancements in asphalt and industry challenges.

The expo area housed 85 exhibitors on more than 20,000 sq. ft. of space. Attendees were able to view equipment and visit with representatives from local dealers specializing in all facets of the asphalt industry, from hose replacement to the latest in paving and milling machines.

see ASPHALT page 10

Replacement Parts

(L-R): Andy Nicolas, Wirtgen Group sales manager, Honnen Equipment; John Sunkenberg, district sales manager of Wirtgen Group; and Jake Newhouse, C&F territory manager, Honnen Equipment, on the Super 2000-3i Vogele tracked paver, which is used primarily in highway construction.

LOGAN, UT 453 North 1000 West Logan, UT 84321 435-752-1533

SALT LAKE CITY, UT 4343 Century Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84123 801-262-5761

CEDAR CITY, UT 482 North Main Street Cedar City, UT 84720 435-586-4406 Email: del.maxedon@centuryeq.com

SPRINGVILLE, UT 1350 South 2000 West Springville, UT 84663 801-794-1463

CLIFTON, CO 549 32nd Rd. Clifton, CO 81520 970-434-7363

DURANGO, CO 1097 Hwy 3 Durango, CO 81301 970-247-0522

ALBUQUERQUE, NM 6301 Edith Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-433-2246

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AGC of Utah Celebrates New Facility, Retirement of CEO

The Associated General Contractors of Utah celebrated its newly remodeled Southern Utah office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 17.

The ceremony also was a chance to honor retiring AGC President, CEO Rich Thorn.

The general contractor responsible for the remodel was completed by St. George-based Watts Construction. New construction included expanding the training room, adding a kitchen, updating the board room, renovating the bathrooms and adding new paint and flooring throughout the space.

City officials, the local business community and the public attended the ceremony and toured the new facility. St. George City Mayor Michelle Randall spoke, along with key personnel from the project team.

“It has been a dream of mine since joining the AGC team in 2016 to remodel this building for the AGC members”, said District Manager Kathy Tolleson. “We are so fortunate to give it this needed facelift with added space and amenities for the members to enjoy. This office hosts close to 100 events and training opportunities a year for the construction industry and we are thrilled to now accommodate larger groups

in our updated space.”

“It was so exciting for us to be able to assist in bringing this space to a higher, more effective use for ourselves and all of our partners here in this southern region,” said Watts Construction CFO Annie Howell, “We will definitely be enjoying the fruits of our labor when attending many events here for years to come.”

As previously mentioned, the celebration of the new office took place alongside the retirement open house for AGC’s President, CEO Rich Thorn. After his 43-year career with the association, Thorn officially marked his retirement at the end of March. In his

time as president and CEO, AGC has built a new headquarters, a campus with a training center and remodeled the Southern Utah office.

“Since joining the association in 1997, I have had the great privilege of working side-by-side with Rich, who is truly one of the best association executives in the state of Utah and throughout the country,” said Incoming President, CEO Joey Gilbert.

About AGC of Utah

The AGC of Utah is the state’s leading professional association for the commercial construction industry, representing more than 630 member firms. AGC of Utah provides benefits and business resources ranging from networking and business development, legislative advocacy and government

relations, training and apprenticeship education and member-only discount programs and savings.

About Watts Construction

Watts Construction is a local commercial general contractor. It was founded in 1968 and has been located in St. George, Utah, since 1984. Watts provides construction management services starting at any point in the development process. It builds commercial, hospitality, civic, senior living and industrial projects. It is a key player in Southern Utah, having built many flagship structures in the community, including the Zion Factory Stores, Washington City Recreation Center and the new Washington County Administration Building. 

(All photos courtesy of AGC of Utah.)

The Associated General Contractors of Utah celebrated its newly remodeled Southern Utah office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 17.

Watts Construction expanded the training room, adding a kitchen, updated the board room, renovated the bathrooms and added new paint and flooring throughout the space.

The ceremony served a joint purpose as retiring AGC President, CEO Rich Thorn was honored.

AGC of Utah Vice President Joey Gilbert makes remarks at the ceremony.

Crews Complete More Than Half of Projects in 10-Year Plan

VISION from page 1

CDOT’s current 10-Year Plan, 100 percent of the projects in the first four years of the plan are complete or underway; and more than 50 percent of the full 10-Year Plan is now complete or in progress.

“We are proud to have developed a 10-Year Plan that reflects the needs of Coloradans across the state,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Now we are delivering on that vision. For example, because the 10-Year Plan places unprecedented priority on fixing rural roads, many of which hadn’t been touched in decades, our total CDOT investment in rural roads increased substantially, and for three consecutive years, we have delivered over 500 miles of rural road improvements per year, combining capital projects with our base program, including the hard work of our own maintenance division.”

Transformational projects in 2022 spanned across the state, including completing the expansion of the central portion of I-70 through Denver. CDOT broke ground on the Floyd Hill project after receiving the largest competitive grant in CDOT history of $100 million. In addition, CDOT continued to expand the successful Bustang transit service, increasing frequency for Bustang and Outrider and extending service to northeast Colorado. CDOT also launched the new Pegasus express shuttle service along the I-70 corridor from Denver to Avon and continued to add mobility hubs throughout the state. Finally, CDOT continues to make repairs and safety improvements to the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels.

Across the state, CDOT is putting new legislative funding to good use as it catches up on road and bridge repairs, adds travel options, relieves traffic choke points in metropolitan areas, makes safety improvements systemwide and brings transit to new corners of the state.

CDOT continued to expand its Revitalizing Main Streets

program to improve active transportation and quality of place in downtowns across the state. In 2022, the department awarded 60 grants worth approximately $35 million across Colorado for projects such as sidewalk improvements, street enhancements to allow for outdoor dining, outdoor lighting and safer accessibility for all modes of transportation.

CDOT advertised a record amount of work in 2022 but expects to shatter this record in 2023. With progress well under way and more quickly coming, Coloradans should expect CDOT to continue building the connections we need to keep our state thriving. 

(All photos courtesy of CDOT.)

Highlights of 2022

$840 million: Spent on construction contractor payments.

107: Total projects completed.

129: Projects awarded, valued at approximately $920 million.

538: Miles of rural roads paved.

More than 50 Percent: Full 10-year plan now complete or in progress.

23: Projects from 10-Year plan already completed.

16: 10-year plan projects put out for bid.

1 million: Bustang achieved revenue service miles.

6 million: Lane miles plowed by maintenance crews in the winter season.

The department completed 23 projects from its 10-Year Plan in 2022 and put out 16 projects from the plan for bid.

For three consecutive years, CDOT and its crews have delivered more than 500 mi. of rural road improvements per year, combining capital projects with its base program.

Transformational projects in 2022 spanned across the state, including completing the expansion of the central portion of I-70 through Denver.

CDOT broke ground on the Floyd Hill project after receiving the largest competitive grant in CDOT history of $100 million.

ADOT Publishes $7B Transportation Plan, Asks for Input

ADOT recently released its tentative 2024-2028 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program for public review and comment.

The public comment period for the Tentative Five-Year Program ends at 5 p.m. on June 1, 2023.

The State Transportation Board is expected to adopt the final Five-Year Program at its June 16 board meeting.

The $7.74 billion tentative 2024-2028 Transportation Facilities Construction Program includes:

• Approximately $4.5 billion for ADOT projects in Greater Arizona. This includes:

— $2.6 billion in preservation projects, which include repaving highways, extending the life cycle of existing pavement and repairing or reconstructing bridges;

— $669 million in projects to expand the state highway system;

— $469 million for projects that improve highway safety, efficiency and functionality, such as smart technology or adding shoulders;

— $486 million for other federallyfunded local and statewide projects administered by ADOT, such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Program and local safety, bridge and recreational trail projects;

— $331 million for project planning and design;

• Approximately $2.4 billion for projects in Maricopa County including:

— Widening and interchange improvements I-10 between Loop 202 and Riggs Road;

— Widening of Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) between Princess Drive and Shea Boulevard;

— Widening of Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) between 75th Avenue and I-17;

— Loop 101/I-10 System Interchange improvements;

— Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) widening between Loop 101 and Val Vista Drive;

— The extension of Loop 303 between MC 85 and Van Buren Street;

• Approximately $817 million for projects in Pima County including:

— $196 million for the I-10 Alvernon Way to Valencia Road (Barraza Aviation Parkway extension/widening);

— $185 million for the I-10: Kino Traffic interchange;

— $156 million for the Country Club Rd Traffic interchange; and

— $142 million in airport capital improvements.

“Safety, innovation and collaboration are the three main priorities I have as the director for the Arizona Department of Transportation,” said ADOT Director

Among the projects with the most funding, $669 million will be allocated for projects to expand the state highway system; $469 million for projects that improve highway safety, efficiency and functionality, such as smart technology or adding shoulders and $486 million for other federally-funded local and statewide projects administered by ADOT, such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Program and local safety, bridge and recreational trail projects.

Jennifer Toth. “Our 2024-2028 Tentative Five-Year Construction Program addresses these priorities as we work to improve and maintain the state’s highway system during the next five years.

“Safety is paramount to what we do at ADOT,” Toth added. “Our vision is ‘Moving Arizona to become the most reliable transportation system in the nation.’ The 20242028 Tentative Five-Year Construction Program identifies improvements to existing roads and bridges while also identifying opportunities to construct new roads and bridges that improve safety. We plan to invest $2.6 billion in pavement and bridge preservation projects across Arizona, which will upgrade pavement that is rated in poor or fair condition. We need to continue investing in the system we have already built, to keep it safe and functioning to meet the growing needs of our state.

“The program also identifies opportunities where we can use the latest technology to improve interchanges and be innovative in our approaches to make the state’s transportation system safer,” she continued. “I am a big believer in innovation as it helps us improve the work we do.

“ADOT’s 2024-2028 Tentative FiveYear Construction Program requires us to collaborate with stakeholders in identifying the projects to put into the program to meet the critical needs of the state. We have a robust planning to programming process that ensures we collaborate with partners like cities and towns, counties, councils of governments, regional transportation planning agencies and other entities as the program is being developed,” Toth concluded.

(All photos courtesy of ADOT.)

The State Transportation Board is expected to adopt the $7.74 billion final Five-Year Program at its June 16 board meeting.

The public comment period for the Tentative Five-Year Program ends at 5 p.m. on June 1, 2023.

Mountain America Expo Center Hosts 85 Exhibitors at Show

ASPHALT from page 1

UAC awards three $1,500 scholarships each year. This year’s recipients were Kasen Garrett, Nick Tholstrom and Ashley Seamons.

Utah’s Women of Asphalt branch held its annual meeting in conjunction with the conference on March 29 where it announced its 2023 initiative “The Road She Builds.” The branch will visit women around the state to see and learn about the the initiative. The Women of Asphalt Utah Branch continues to grow with more than 100 members.

UAC also presented awards.

The Utah Asphalt Conference will be held February 27 to 28, 2024, at the same location.  CEG (All photographs in this article are Copyright 2023 Construction Equipment Guide. All Rights Reserved.)

Century Equipment has more than 50 years in the business and nine locations throughout the west including Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Tennessee. Brian Minchey (L), crushing and screening sales; and David Foulger, sales manager.

The Goodfellow Corporation, serving the aggregate industry with a large selection of equipment in four states including Utah, Nevada, Arizona and California, was represented by (L-R): Bill Royce, regional sales manager, Astec Industries Inc.; Patrick Boylan, regional sales manager, Sakai America Inc.; Bryan Ady, RoadTec equipment manager, Goodfellow Corp.; Eric Lee, paving equipment sales, Goodfellow Corp.; Trevor Brindley, general manager, Goodfellow Corp.; Jake Hansen, equipment sales and rentals, Goodfellow Corp; Chris Baron, vice president of sales, Goodfellow Corp.; Mark Hansen, equipment sales, Goodfellow; and Tom Witt, senior regional manager of Breaker Technology,

Ken Follett, territory manager, spent time talking with attendees about how Asphalt Zipper’s unique product can help with road repairs that are longer lasting, easier and offer a significant cost savings.

The ICM Solutions team represented by (L-R): Ana Correa; Devin Young, territory manager; Kyle Schmidt, rental manager; and David Lyman, parts manager, are ready to be your source for crushing and screening products.

Wheeler CAT had an impressive booth showcasing a variety of equipment. (L-R) are Tyler Mason, marketing specialist, Campbell Companies; Carrie Paramore, e-commerce advisor, Wheeler Machinery; Trevor Shuman, governmental sales rep., Wheeler Machinery; Glen “Scooter” Barney, trailer sales representative, Wheeler Machinery; Kirsten Campbell, marketing coordinator, Campbell Companies; Curtis Breisch, district sales rep. of Multiquip Inc.; and Brandon Kuder, account rep of SITECH.

a division of Astec Industries Inc.

Komatsu showcased the Bomag planer, whose maneuverability makes it perfect for inner-city work as well as country roads. Jim Slade (L), general manager of sales, west Rocky Mountain region of Komatsu North American, and Randy Marshall, asphalt and road specialist.

The Cate Equipment team with representatives for LeeBoy and Dynapac (L-R) are Shawn Hutchings, asphalt paver application specialist of LeeBoy; Nathan Longhurst, Cate Equipment Company; Scott Kearl, Cate Equipment Company; Paul McMillan, Cate Equipment; and Scott Carey, dealer sales manager, western region of Dynapac. The LeeBoy NB25, a self-propelled sweeper designed for the paving professional, and the Dynapac CC3300C, one of a series of articulated tandem rollers — or combi versions — are perfect where size and noise are important while compacting.

Ames Construction Replacing Oldest Bridge in Colorado

Construction has started to replace the Alameda Avenue (Colorado Highway 26) bridge over the South Platte River, a project designed to improve safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Originally constructed in 1911 and widened in 1966, it is the oldest bridge on the state highway system.

Ames Construction is the prime contractor for the $22.3 million project. It is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

In addition to replacing the bridge, the Colorado Department of Transportation project includes:

• Building a multi-modal corridor by modifying the West Alameda Avenue intersection at South Santa Fe Drive; removing South Platte River Drive between Alameda and Cedar Street; and diverting traffic to a widened South Lipan Street, north of Alameda;

• Reconstructing the South Platte River Trail with improved sight distances, including a 12-ft. concrete trail, a 4-ft. finely crushed stone trail and 3-ft. vegetated shoulders for an overall trail width of 22 ft.;

• Constructing an on-street, two-way

protected bike lane on the north side of Alameda between South Lipan Street and South Kalamath Street with a connection to the South Platte River Trail;

• Installing a water quality pond; and

• Improving sidewalks on the north and south side of the bridge.

Schedule, Travel Impacts

Two lanes of the Alameda Bridge will remain open in each direction during construction, with the exception of bridge demolition work for public safety. Demolition work is anticipated to begin this spring, which would require an occasional overnight or weekend closure of the Alameda bridge.

During the initial phase of construction, Lipan Street will be built out in preparation for removing the South Platte River Drive intersection at Alameda Avenue. A closure of Lipan Street already is in place.

The South Platte River Trail will remain open but detoured around the construction zone where it crosses under Alameda Avenue. The trail will close intermittently during bridge demolition. 