Interstate Improvement, Inc. Crews Visited on the Jobsite by West Virginia Governor
Used with permission. July 3, 2018
May 2018
Interstate Improvement, Inc. Crews Visited on the Jobsite by West Virginia Governor West Virginia’s governor, Jim Justice, prioritizes roads. Multiple measures are part of his Roads to Prosperity Highway Plan, which aims to build and repair roads and bridges across the state and has over 500 projects on its list.
So far, the governor’s plan has delivered. In October 2017, voters passed a referendum to sell $1.6 billion in general obligation bonds. Other projects will be funded by federally backed Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles (GARVEE) bonds while still others will rely on Parkways Authority bonds. The program expects to eventually make available $2.8 billion. With the funding strategy in place, road construction in West Virginia has already increased.
To show his passion and commitment to roadbuilding as a means of economic recovery, on Thursday April 26, 2018, Governor Justice delivered one thing more: sausage biscuits. “Governor Justice had driven the stretch of I-64 near Beckley and been impressed with the work,” said Jim Laursen, site superintendent with Interstate Improvement, Inc. The governor then made his in-person visit to the Raleigh County jobsite, bringing breakfast for the crew. Approximately twenty workers were onsite, all employees of IGGA member company Interstate Improvement, Inc.
Interstate Improvement, based in Faribault, Minn., is currently conducting work on 5.2 miles of I-64 between the Raleigh County Memorial Airport and the Glade Creek River Bridge. Work includes
13,300 square yards of full depth concrete repair and 183,612 square yards of diamond grinding, along with guardrail improvements, joint sealing and pavement markings. The contract amount is $4,179,800.00 and this is the second project Interstate Improvement has conducted in West Virginia.
The governor hopes to start a program in which he’ll visit several road construction sites throughout the year,” said Evan Bailey, project supervisor with the West Virginia Department of Highways
(WVDOH) and site inspector for the I-64 project.
West Virginia Transportation Secretary Tom Smith was also in attendance. Media interviews were granted, with information shared about upcoming projects and their start dates, and Governor Justice reminded travelers to drive slowly and safely in construction zones.
The Interstate crew appreciated the governor’s visit. “It was an honor,” said Laursen.
John Roberts, executive director of the International Grooving & Grinding Association, expressed appreciation as well. “Governor Justice, Secretary Smith and the WVDOH leadership have done a
remarkable job executing their plans to improve the WV roadway network. The IGGA is proud to have played a role by providing specifications and preservation training for personnel to help achieve their aggressive goals. When the public and private sector work together in partnership, good things happen,” said Roberts.
For more information on the IGGA and best construction practices for concrete paving, visit igga.net.