Published Nationally
Southeast Edition
® May 14 2025 Vol. XXXVII • No. 10
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded 1957.” 470 Maryland Drive • Ft. Washington, PA 19034 • 215-885-2900 • Toll Free 800-523-2200 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com
Inside
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W-L Construction Works to Restore Route 58 By Chuck MacDonald CEG CORRESPONDENT
Linder Holds Grand Opening for New Store in Bradenton, Fla. ...12
Raleigh’s Wilson-Finley Co. Celebrates 70 Years in Business...18
National Equipment Dealers Breaks Ground On Savannah Branch...24
When Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury in late September 2024 many communities in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia were shredded under the onslaught of flooding and mudslides. In the wake of the storm’s 140 mph winds, people needed food, water and shelter. The storm caused more than $75 billion in damage. As the rains subsided, residents in those areas asked, “How can I resume my life?” In many places, like southwestern Virginia, the answer began with reliable transportation connections. Route 58 in Washington County is one of those important connections. The area is close to the Tri-Cities and is a vital link for Damascus, Va., and Washington County residents. The road winds through the stunning scenery of the Jefferson National Forest and is home to spectacular trout fishing, biking and hiking. Route 58 did not look so inviting after the hurricanes and rain had gouged away huge swaths of dirt and rock. Most of Route 58 looked more like the county’s famous hiking trails rather than a highway. see HURRICANE page 48
VDOT turned to W-L Construction & Paving to work under a force account to reconstruct the road.
U.S. Drivers Want Their Lanes Back Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Paving Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39-57 Attachments Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58-67 Auction Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90-97 Business Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Opinions Differ On Road Diets for Traffic Calming Efforts Among Transportation Agencies The federal department of transportation has reversed course on the longtime safety design concept of reduced lane capacity, or “road diets.” Not only are some states also wanting to end lane reductions, but cities in Texas, California and Washington have worked toward a similar outcome. Road diet advocates see the movement as forfeiting a critical tool for slowing down drivers. This spring, when the application window for the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program opened, it was considered by many to be tight. By Lucy Perry
CEG CORRESPONDENT
see TRAFFIC page 46
Adobe Stock photo
The goal of road diets is to make more room for people outside of automobiles and to encourage drivers to slow down.