Crews Set Record for Laying Hot Mix

Austin Bridge & Road’s hot mix paving crews were recently named Austin Advantage Builders for their outstanding performance during a recordbreaking operation. From Friday, October 12, at 11:30 p.m. through Sunday, October 14, at 10:30 p.m., Austin Bridge & Road hot mix paving crews broke intercompany records by placing 14,000 tons of hot mix asphalt during a high profile traffic switch for TxDOT.

The crews successfully constructed eight temporary detour ramps on the Ellis County I-35 project in two days. “The successful execution of this operation was only possible through the combined teamwork of our employee-owners,” said Darren Ratajski, area manager, North Texas. “Although our team faced many operational challenges, each challenge was met with an unwavering commitment to our ‘core values.’ By doing so, this significant achievement was accomplished without any accidents or injuries. Every employee-owner involved should be extremely proud of what was accomplished.”

This effort included three full paving spreads operating 24 hours a day, six full hot mix paving crews averaging 10 to 13 employee-owners per crew and three asphalt production facilities from the Dallas, Fort Worth & Celina plants generating more than $1 million of revenue in 48 hours. Every employee-owner involved will be rewarded with an Austin Advantage Blue Star sticker for their hard hat in recognition of the hard work it took to make this possible. This Blue Star represents exemplary performance. The stickers were arranged and distributed by Ratajski. “The time spent preplanning and preparing prior to the weekend enabled our team to make good decisions for the numerous challenges we faced,” said Trey Curtis, project manager. “The communication and teamwork between crews during and between shifts was a big part of completing the work within the scheduled time.” This is a prime example that teamwork at every level reflects a job well done.