Resurfacing a roughly 3 mile, 5 lane highway that carries heavy traffic and includes a crucial intersection is always challenging. Doing that while maintaining traffic without delays is sometimes impossible. That’s why the Michigan Department of Transporation (MDOT) opted to pave the road at night. Team Elmer’s was the low bidder for the project. The mill and fill resurfacing project along US-31/M-37 south of Rennie School Road and north of South Airport Road was expedited by Team Elmer’s to reduce delays by unpredictable weather and avoid larger congestion issues with summer tourist traffic.

The work was completed in 5 days, 4 days earlier than the scheduled 9 days. Team Elmer’s was able to accomplish this job with much success and efficiency by having 3 paving crews, 4 milling machines, 7 leads, 12 live bottoms, and 5 flaggers. The work consisted of 15,460 tons of hot mix asphalt and 137,180 square feet of milling while restricted to a 1.4-mile lane closure.

Although night work helps reduce traffic congestion, it brings a visibility challenge to the workers. Team Elmer’s had 15 light towers on the project and each light plant had to be placed every 500 feet during the project.

Aside from having the light towers for the crew, each traffic regulator needed their own light to make them highly visible to traffic to ensure their safety and visibility. The project received a lot of wows and praise from the public due to the amount of equipment that was dedicated to getting the job done in a timely manner. With no weather delays and a total team effort from the different crews, the job was another success for Team Elmer’s.

By the Numbers

• Asphalt: 15,460 tons
• Milling: 137,180 square feet
• Paint & Markings: 73,758 feet
• Paving Crews: 3
• Construction Nights: 5

DATE STARTED: 06-03-2019
DATE COMPLETED: 06-08-2019
SELF-PERFORMED: 79%
PARTNERS: Give 'Em a Brake Safety, J L Milling, P.K. Contracting