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These 5 Road Projects in the Northeast Win Awards
Five road projects have won awards from the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials.
The winners are as follows:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation — Ohiopyle Multimodal Gateway project (Quality of Life/Community Development, Small category) (See photo at the top of this story.)
To address safety concerns and increased congestion, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation completed a $177.5 million project that improved the Spaulding Turnpike from Exit 1 in Newington, across the Little Bay Bridges, to Dover.New Hampshire DOTNew Hampshire Department of Transportation — Spaulding Turnpike Improvements (Quality of Life/Community Development, Medium category)
The $25 million Route 1 Permanent Hard Shoulder Running Project overseen by the New Jersey Department of Transportation improved safety, increased emergency access, increased capacity and travel reliability, and cut commute times by up to 50 percent.New Jersey DOTNew Jersey Department of Transportation — Route 1 Permanent Hard Shoulder Running project (Operations Excellence, Small category)
The Delaware Department of Transportation alleviated traffic congestion and created more transportation options for a Wilmington community by constructing the $82 million Senator Margaret Rose Henry Bridge.Delaware DOTDelaware Department of Transportation — Margaret Rose Henry Bridge and Approach Roads project (Operations Excellence, Medium category)
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation widened a 20-mile segment of I-93. The $755 million project has improved safety and traffic flow.New Hampshire DOTNew Hampshire Department of Transportation — I-93 Expansion project (Operations Excellence, Large category)
This is the second of four regional contests within the national America’s Transportation Awards competition. The three highest-scoring projects from each regional competition earn a place on a “Top 12” list of projects, which will compete for the Grand Prize – selected by an independent panel of industry judges – and the People’s Choice Award, chosen by the public through online voting.
The top two winners also receive $10,000 cash awards, to be donated to a charity or scholarship of the state DOT’s choosing.
The “Top 12 finalists” vying for the Grand Prize and People’s Choice awards will be announced in September, with online voting for the People’s Choice award beginning at the same time.
The winners of both Grand Prize and People’s Choice awards will be announced in October at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in San Diego.
The awards are sponsored by AASHTO, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://constructionosa.org/?p=142
Contractor to Pay $20M in Largest Prevailing Wage Criminal Case
A Pennsylvania road contractor has been sentenced in the largest prevailing wage criminal case in U.S. history and will pay more than $20 million in restitution to workers who lost retirement funds to the scheme, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.
Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc., which won $1.7 billion in state road and bridge contracts between 2003 and 2018, pleaded nolo contendere, in which it accepted sentencing without pleading guilty, to four felony counts of “theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received.”
The company has been sentenced to five years of probation, and it must pay $20,696,453 in restitution to 1,267 workers. The company funneled wages that were supposed to be paid into the workers’ retirement plans into the overall company’s retirement accounts, including those for owners and executives, according to Shapiro.
Those wages were earmarked under the state’s Prevailing Wage Act and the federal Davis-Bacon Act to go to the workers on state- or federal-funded projects in which set wages were required. The wages can be used for retirement and health benefits for those workers, but only for them.
Hawbaker was also charged with using workers’ health and welfare benefits to subsidize the cost of a self-funded health insurance plan that covers all its employees. “The company disguised its scheme by artificially inflating its costs by millions of dollars each year and claiming credit for prohibited costs,” Shapiro said.
The company would overstate workers’ medical costs, claiming it had paid an entire hospital bill, for instance, when insurance had paid for most of it, according to Shapiro. He said such maneuvers allowed the company to outbid other contractors on projects by reducing its costs.
Hawbaker is based in State College and is a family-owned company formed in 1952. Between 2003 and 2018, it won $1.7 billion worth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation road and bridge project contracts.
Charges were filed in April by Shapiro. The company was temporarily suspended from bidding on or participating in future PennDOT projects as of April 19. However, on June 30, the suspension was lifted after a state court ruled the suspension was unconstitutional, according to the Centre Daily Times newspaper.
Shapiro said the scheme “was a sophisticated operation that spanned many years.” The charges, however, only date back to 2015 due to the statute of limitations, he said.
Harry Ward, a bridge worker at Hawbaker for 30 years, discovered a problem with his retirement plan in 2018. The funds he had expected to receive from Hawbaker didn’t match his account. He checked with PennDOT and confirmed he was short thousands of dollars.
Hawbaker cooperated with the investigation, Shapiro has said. When the charges were announced the company released a statement saying it believed it acted in accordance with all state and federal laws.
The company told investigators it relied on bad advice from former counsel, and it has changed its methods since the investigation began, according to an affidavit, and money is now being directed properly.
The company’s plea deal covers the years of 2015 through 2018. Along with restitution and probation, Hawbaker will pay a court-appointed monitor to oversee the company’s prevailing wage practices during its probation. The monitor will also oversee the restitution payments to employees. Hawbaker must also pay the Attorney General’s Office $240,563 for third-party expert fees.
Hawbaker released the following statement in response to the sentencing:
“Hawbaker is pleased to bring this process to a conclusion and focus on the future. Our company’s decision to plead no contest avoids protracted litigation, which could have jeopardized the livelihoods of our dedicated employees. We continue to believe that we followed all requirements regarding fringe benefits. The fringe benefit practices challenged by the Office of Attorney General were based upon advice provided by the company’s former attorneys. Hawbaker has always intended to properly pay all of its employees. Through the years, both state and federal regulators extensively reviewed our Prevailing Wage Act and Davis Bacon Act practices on jobs and did not find any wrongdoing. This led us to believe we were properly following all laws, and we did not plead guilty. We fully cooperated in this process and proactively addressed concerns raised by the attorney general’s office. As stated by the attorney general, we are making past and present employees whole. This process will be conducted under the direction of an independent monitor. We now look forward to continuing to deliver outstanding service to our customers and providing opportunities for our dedicated team members.”
Did you miss our previous article…
https://constructionosa.org/?p=121
HammerHead Trenchless Lining System Speeds Up Pipe Repairs
Everywhere you go in the United States aging, underground sewer lines are deteriorating, leaking and in serious need of repair. HammerHead Trenchless has a solution to get the job done fast.
The company’s redesigned Bluelight LED cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining system is geared for rapid rehabilitation of laterals and small sewer pipes from 3 to 10 inches in diameter.
The redesign includes features such as an intuitive touchscreen interface, interchangeable reels in 131- and 164-foot lengths, three light head sizes, including a new 3-inch light head, and a lightweight ergonomic frame for easier maneuverability and portability.
The company’s Bluelight technology uses a specially formulated single-part resin that cures under light in the “blue” wavelength, giving installers significantly longer working time between liner wet-out and curing. Once installed, the automated curing system pulls the LED light head through the liner, curing the resin as fast as 5.4 feet per minute.
Both the original Bluelight system and the redesigned model are capable of navigating and repairing 45- and 90-degree bends and some transitions. The Bluelight system resin is free of styrenes and VOCs, and the system meets or exceeds ASTM F1216.
“Our new design incorporates feedback from installers around the world to make it even more user-friendly and efficient to maximize productivity on every lining job,” says Josh Hood, senior product manager at HammerHead.
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https://constructionosa.org/?p=120
DeWalt Construction Asset Gateway Helps Track Tools in Real Time
A master craftsman working in his shop can typically reach any of his tools without looking. A jobsite manager supervising dozens of workers on a big commercial or construction project … not so much.
We all know finding tools, maintaining inventory, assigning responsibility grows exponentially more complex with every worker added.
DeWalt has come up with a piece of hardware, the Tool Connect Construction Asset Gateway (DCE081), which can be deployed in jobsite toolboxes, vehicles and tool cribs to automatically audit inventory and provide visibility of the tools within the DeWalt Tool Connect ecosystem.
Tool Connect is a free inventory tracking software that displays your tool information on the Site Manager website or mobile app. Tools are managed using more than 35 different hardware solutions, including Chip-Ready tools, Tag-Ready tools, Tool Connect batteries, the DCE040 20-volt adapter, and the DCE041 Tool Connect Tag that attaches to jobsite assets.
With the release of the Tool Connect Asset Gateway, you no longer need to use a mobile device to scan for tools and assets. The connected gateway is ready out of the box to track jobsite inventory in real time.
The Construction Asset Gateway connects the Tool Connect system to Site Manager via a prepaid cellular connection and associated assets to GPS coordinates. The gateway contains an internal battery designed for six months of operation per charge or can be powered by the USB power cord and included USB power brick.
The Construction Asset Gateway enhances the capabilities of Tool Connect Site Manager by bringing information from the field seamlessly and automatically into the software, allowing users to get the right tools in the right hands, improve crew accountability, and locate connected assets across multiple jobsites. The Construction Asset Gateway uses Bluetooth and cellular connectivity to scan an area for inventory, providing automatic customizable audits and location data.
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https://constructionosa.org/?p=119
Infrastructure Bill Passes Senate With Big Boost for Roads, Bridges
A $1 trillion infrastructure bill passed the U.S. Senate today and heads to the House after months of bipartisan negotiations.
The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, which passed in a 69-30 vote, includes $550 billion in new funding over five years as well as reauthorizes increased transportation funding through 2026.
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association reports that nearly half of the $1 trillion will be spent on federal highway, bridge and public transportation improvements. It calls for a $370 billion, five-year reauthorization of the surface transportation programs, as well as another $86 billion in supplemental investment, ARTBA says.
The highway and bridge funding reauthorization of $300.5 billion through fiscal year 2026 would represent a 24% increase next fiscal year over current funding, according to the association.
Total investment for highway programs for FY 2022–FY 2026 would be $347.8 billion under the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, according to ARTBA. The chart above shows the year-by-year funding levels proposed in the package compared to the last two years of core highway and appropriations spending — an $18.6 billion (38%) increase.American Road and Transportation Builders AssociationThe House now will be tasked with considering the legislation. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said the bill’s House consideration is contingent upon a $3.5 trillion spending package of other Democratic priorities passing the Senate. That bill is being introduced as a budget resolution through a reconciliation process that would require only a simple majority to pass, instead of the minimum 60 votes typically needed to pass Senate legislation.
Construction groups happy
The construction industry praised today’s passage of the infrastructure bill.
ARTBA President and CEO Dave Bauer lauded the bipartisan aspect of the legislation and its potential economic effects:
“The U.S. economy and transportation system users stand to benefit most from enactment of an infrastructure bill that combines historic investment levels with pragmatic policy reforms.”
The president of the Associated General Contractors of America called on the House to act swiftly on the bill and not hold it up over the $3.5 trillion spending plan.
“Unfortunately, some members of the House want to delay action on the bipartisan measure until passing an unrelated, partisan, spending bill,” said AGC CEO Stephen Sandherr. “The last thing Washington should do is hold a much-needed, bipartisan infrastructure bill hostage to partisan politics.”
He, too, praised the bill’s economic effects:
“The new infrastructure measure passed by the Senate today provides much-needed new federal investments in a wide range of infrastructure projects. These investments will help generate new demand for construction services, equipment and materials. More important, the new investments will create high-paying construction career opportunities and help make our economy more efficient and competitive.”
Michael Bellaman, president and CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors, noted that the construction industry has been waiting decades for increased infrastructure funding. “This bipartisan accomplishment is something that has eluded Congress for decades and is proof of the possibilities when lawmakers choose compromise over conflict,” he said.
He also was pleased the bill would not increase corporate taxes, which was first proposed by President Joe Biden to pay for the additional funding.
Instead, the bill relies on using unspent Covid-relief and unemployment insurance funds, tougher enforcement by the Internal Revenue Service, 5G auction proceeds, sales of the strategic petroleum reserve and other means.
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated it would increase the federal deficit by $256 billion over 10 years, though supporters of the legislation have disputed that figure.
The breakdown
Other infrastructure winners in the bill include electric vehicles, airports, rail, broadband and energy.
Here are highlights of the proposed additional spending:
Roads, bridges, major projects – $110 billionPower infrastructure – $73 billionPassenger and freight rail – $66 billionBroadband infrastructure – $65 billionDrinking water infrastructure – $55 billionPublic transit – $39 billionAirports – $25 billionPorts and waterways – $17 billionTransportation safety – $11 billionElectric vehicle infrastructure – $7.5 billionElectric buses and transit – $7.5 billionReconnecting communities split by highway projects – $1 billion
Industry News Roundup: Kirby-Smith Machinery Gains New CEO
John Arapidis has assumed the helm of Komatsu dealer Kirby-Smith Machinery, replacing Ed Kirby, who is retiring after nearly 40 years. Kirby will serve as chairman of the board.
Arapidis is now the president and CEO of the Oklahoma City-based dealership after serving as vice president of major accounts at the firm since 2017. Prior to joining Kirby-Smith, he spent nearly 30 years at Komatsu America in a variety of roles, including national accounts manager and vice president of its rental and used equipment division.
“Making the decision to step back from my role was not an easy one, but I know that with the appointment of John to President and CEO, Kirby-Smith Machinery will continue to remain a leader in the industry in John’s extremely capable hands,” Kirby says. “During the past four years, John’s experience, leadership style and vision for the company have proven to be the right fit for this role, and will benefit the entire KSM organization, as well as our partners and clients.”
In his new role as board chairman, Kirby will work in an advisory board and continue to liaise with customers and partners.
Established in 1983, Kirby-Smith has 12 branch locations in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Missouri.
Vermeer Southeast adds Fecon
Vermeer Southeast added Fecon’s forestry mulcher line, stocking Fecon forestry mulching tractors and attachments along with its Vermeer forestry equipment.
Vermeer has 11 locations throughout Alabama, Florida and Georgia, with affiliated companies in Caribbean.
Yanmar Power distributor expands territory
Yanmar Power Solutions distributor Crosspoint Power & Refrigeration has expanded its coverage territory to Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. It already serves Yanmar in Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.
MANUFACTURERS, SUPPLIERS
Minnich receives GOMACO 2020 Supplier of the Year award
Minnich
Concrete dowel pin manufacturer Minnich Manufacturing is the first recipient of GOMACO’s new Supplier of the Year award. The two companies have partnered for several years, with Minnich products used on several GOMACO concrete machines, such as its HV-2PE hydraulic internal vibrator.
Terex names regional sales manager
MitchellTerex MPSTerex MPS has added JP Mitchell as a regional sales manager for its line of Cedarapids, Simplicity and Canica crushing and screening equipment. He will work with Terex MPS dealers to grow and manage business while looking for business expansion opportunities.
Mitchell previously held various positions at Aggregate Manufacturing International.
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https://constructionosa.org/?p=112
HCSS Aerial Makes Drone Mapping, Site Modeling More Accurate
Site contractors often visualize in the vertical but work in the horizontal. Translating between the two has always been a challenge in earthmoving.
Drones and mapping software like HCSS Aerial have made it easier for contractors, engineers and surveyors to capture that vertical bird’s eye view. And HCSS recently announced a new version of its drone software for heavy/civil sitework to make drone mapping and site modeling even more practical.
The new HCSS Aerial realistically renders the look and feel of 2D designs on the models. It also displays designs on the model as 2D clamped to the ground.
Design visualization enhancements on HCSS Aerial more realistically render the look and feel of 2D designs on the models.HCSSThe upload wizard improves the accuracy of your model by ensuring that the uploaded image set doesn’t contain duplicates and by analyzing location data and time of capture for superior detection. The upload wizard also warns you of images that do not have complete GPS information. This saves time by helping you improve accuracy and avoid reprocessing models. Other features include:
Enforced checkpoint marking to improve accuracy reports. Ground control points cannot be set as a checkpoint if they are not marked on at least two different images.>Automatic geo-reference supporting real-time kinematic (RTK) flights for accurate and consistent models.>Easy import and support of native design files, such as DXF, DWG, DGN and LandXML, for progress monitoring analytics and design overlay visualization. This eliminates the need to use CAD experts, conversion tools or data quality checks. >
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https://constructionosa.org/?p=109
Friedrich Assumes Helm of Liebherr USA
A new managing director will take the helm of Liebherr USA.
Liebherr has appointed Kai Friedrich managing director of Liebherr USA, based in Newport News, Virginia, a position previously held by Peter Mayr. Friedrich will also assume the position of divisional director of construction equipment.
As managing director Friedrich will guide and oversee the corporate and strategic plans for nine product segments in the Liebherr USA organization. These include construction equipment, mobile and crawler cranes, tower cranes, components, concrete technology, refrigeration and freezing, mining, deep foundation machines and maritime cranes.
As division director for construction equipment he will be responsible for managing the team of Liebherr sales, service, training and product management staff for the company’s construction equipment range, providing support to Liebherr’s U.S. dealers and affiliates.
Friedrich has 18 years of experience in the heavy equipment industry, with 17 of those years serving in a variety of roles within Liebherr Group.
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https://constructionosa.org/?p=108
AEM’s Slater to Retire, Tanel to Take Helm of Equipment Association
ConExpo’s sponsoring association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, will see a leadership change in the new year.
After 23 years at the helm, Dennis Slater is retiring as AEM president, effective Dec. 31. Megan Tanel, currently the group’s senior vice president, construction and utility sector, will succeed him.
Slater, 63, joined AEM’s predecessor the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association in 1982, becoming president in 1998. When AEM formed after the merger between CIMA and the Equipment Manufacturers Institute, Slater continued his president role. Since then, AEM has grown by 50% to more than 1,000 member companies, and revenue has increased nearly 700% to $60 million annually.
“Through Dennis’ leadership and impressive contributions to the industry for nearly 40 years, AEM has built tremendous value and momentum for our members and the industry,” says Steve Berglund, 2021 AEM chair and Trimble executive chairman. “He has been an outstanding leader of the equipment manufacturing industry.”
Tanel, 48, joined AEM in 1995. For many years she lead AEM’s exhibitions and events initiatives and helped launch the World of Asphalt in 2001. In addition, she’s served as show director for The Utility Expo (formerly ICUEE) and North America’s largest construction equipment trade show, ConExpo-Con/Agg. Tanel led a team that grew AEM’s trade show revenue by 80% in 12 years.
“Megan has successfully led key initiatives and been a major driver in building relationships across our industry throughout her 20+ year tenure at AEM,” Slater says. “With the support of the AEM senior team and our membership, I’m confident she will provide the leadership needed to continue AEM’s success in the future.”
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https://constructionosa.org/?p=103