Road Building

A road project begins with site surveying and engineering design, assessing soil, drainage, alignment, and load demands. Next comes grading and subgrade preparation, followed by placement and compaction of a sub-base (crushed stone). We lay multiple asphalt layers—binder course, then a wearing surface—each compacted precisely. Finally, we stripe lanes, install signage, and complete drainage and curbing. In Jacksonville’s sandy soils and coastal conditions, our team uses engineered materials and proven compaction methods to ensure longevity and wear resistance.

Roads face heavier, continuous traffic, including trucks and emergency vehicles, and are expected to last decades. They require thicker asphalt sections, stronger sub-bases, stricter drainage planning, and engineered design to prevent rutting, potholes, and structural failure. We layer binder and wearing courses carefully to meet spec standards and coordinate traffic diversion. Jacksonville’s exposure to seasonal storms adds another layer of complexity—necessitating stormwater management systems integrated into the build.

Time depends on length, weather, soil conditions, and required features such as drainage, curbs, or utilities. A short two-lane road (0.5 mile) in good conditions can take 3–4 weeks, including grading, paving, compaction, line painting, and finishing. Pre-construction prep like permitting or utility coordination may add time. Our project management ensures transparent timelines, regular communication, and on-site supervision to stay on track.

Road projects must comply with local and state rules—grading permits, stormwater (NPDES) permits, right-of-way agreements, and DOT standards for slope, materials, and drainage. Coordination with utility companies is key for buried lines or future work. We handle permit applications, engineer-approved drawings, and compliance reporting to ensure seamless approval and avoid costly delays.

Effective drainage is crucial to prevent standing water and road damage. We design surface slopes (typically 1–2%) for runoff, install curbs, gutters, catch basins, and subsurface pipes. In sensitive areas, permeable shoulders or retention systems may be used. Given Jacksonville’s risk of flash flooding and coastal water tables, our drains and storm sewer placements are engineered for both capacity and longevity.

Key cost drivers include length and width, terrain difficulty, required thickness of the sub-base and asphalt, drainage structures, curbs, striping, and site prep like clearing or utility work. Material costs (bitumen, stone) fluctuate seasonally. Environmental mitigation—such as tree removal or erosion control—adds to cost. We provide transparent, itemized estimates so clients understand what influences price and how to optimize value without compromising quality.

Yes—milling and overlay of existing asphalt can restore driveability and extend life if the base is structurally sound. Milling removes the top layer, and applying new binder and wearing asphalt is quicker and more cost-effective. However, if the subgrade is compromised, potholes are frequent, or drainage is failing, full reconstruction may be necessary. We thoroughly evaluate conditions and recommend the most effective solution—resurface or rebuild—for your project goals.

Compaction densifies each material layer, removing air pockets and building strength. Poor compaction invites premature cracking, subsidence, or potholes. For roads, we use heavy vibratory and static rollers carefully matched to material types—achieving over 95% compaction. In Jacksonville’s sandy soils, this effort is critical to combat shifting or settlement under heavy loads.

Paving asphalt requires specific temperature ranges: generally above 50 °F, but ideally 70–85 °F for proper compaction and bonding. High humidity or approaching rain can force delays. The coastal sun and heat can affect binder curing too. Our team monitors local weather forecasts and air humidity to schedule pours optimally—minimizing defects and ensuring molecular bonding for a durable surface.

One misconception is that “asphalt roads are low maintenance.” In reality, without periodic resealing, crack sealing, and drainage upkeep, lifespan shortens dramatically. Another myth: “any contractor can build roads.” Road work requires specialized equipment, compaction expertise, and permit handling that general paving crews may lack. Our Jacksonville team brings full-service capability—engineering, stormwater management, DOT compliance, traffic control—for complete, code-compliant solutions.