APAM Wins National Award

We don't mean to toot our own horn but we must tell you of a recent award notification. APAM submitted an entry for NAPA's Outstanding Website Award in the State Association Category and we won! We thank the members of APAM for their input as we worked hard to create a website that is both informative and easy to use. Apparently NAPA thought so too! John Becsey will pick up the award plaque in January at NAPA's Annual Meeting in San Diego. Maybe you might want to attend and cheer for us.

MDOT Issues New Open Graded Drainage Course Special Provision

Over the past several years, open-graded drainage course (OGDC) has been a major topic for discussion between the department and the highway construction industry.

MDOT has recently issued Open Graded Drainage Course, Modified FUSP 03SP303 (A). Beginning with the December 2008 letting, all projects that include open-graded aggregates shall contain 03SP303 (A), Special Provision for Open-Graded Drainage Course, Modified (FHWA Approved 11-01-08).

The SP has gradation and loss by wash requirements for the aggregate both prior to placement and after compacted in-place and allows the use of recycled crushed concrete.

Pay adjustment factors are applied for failure to meet gradation and LBW specifications.

Click here to view the Bureau of Highway Instructional Memorandum 2008-15 and the Special Provision.

 

Penalties For Work Zone Construction Fatalities Hiked

Drivers who kill anyone within a construction zone would face a 15-year felony, the same penalty for killing a construction worker, under two House bills recently signed into law.

After HB 4468 and HB 4469 became law, MDOT issued Operations Advisory OA 2008-01 (Revised) to address sign usage affected by the new laws.

According to the OA, Injure/Kill a Motorist signs are not to be posted on MDOT construction work zones. Use of Injure/Kill a Worker and Fines Doubled signing will continue to be used on all construction projects as per the maintaining traffic typicals.

The advisory only applies to state projects let thru MDOT. Local agency projects are not affected by OA 2008-01 (Revised).

Click to view the OA

 

Engineering Operations Committee Minutes for October

The minutes for the Engineering Operations Committee meeting held on October 2, 2008 have been released. Please click on the link to read the minutes.

October 2008 minutes

MDOT Links

Click here to view a listing of Construction Advisories

Click here to view a listing of Instructional Memorandums

Click here to view a listing of EOC Minutes

Chuck Mills was busy reviewing the 2008 APAM/MDOT paving award projects with the judging committee during the month of October. One thing is for sure, you have built some smooth roads this year!

Chuck has received calls regarding the HMA Ultra-Thin mailing that we sent out in September. He also met with the City of South Haven to discuss pavement alternatives in managing their road network. The City passed a road millage this year and they are about to begin rebuilding their system of roads.

Chuck attended the YES (youth engineering and science) Expo at Ford Field on November 6th. He took along the Porous HMA model, which was a big hit with the students. Chuck also gave a presentation on Porous HMA to about 60 engineers at the SOCME (South Oakland County Municipal Engineers) meeting on November 18th.

If you know of a good marketing opportunity for Chuck to pursue, please give him a call.

NAPA Seeks Candidates for New Staff Position

The National Asphalt Pavement Association is seeking candidates for Vice President of Product Deployment / Sales.

The position is responsible for leading the delivery of the asphalt pavement industry's marketing plan and program.

Requirements include a BS in Civil Engineering, minimum of 5 years experience in a senior marketing/ sales/ engineering position, along with knowledge and experience in road paving and materials.

Click here for additional info

North Central Asphalt Meeting to be held Feb. 4 -5

The North Central Asphalt User/Producer Group Conference will be held February 4-5 in Madison, Wisconsin. The conference will focus on recycling, environmental and sustainable technologies and HMA economic topics. For complete program information including registration details click here

Registration Form

Contact the hotels listed on the brochure to reserve your room.

Register now as early registration ends January 3rd.

Program information (agenda)

Mix Design Certification Training Offered

The 2009 MDOT Certification Training for Superpave Asphalt Mix Designers will be held on March 16-19, 2009 in Lansing.

All asphalt mix designers who submit HMA mix designs to MDOT must be certified through this class.

Click here for more details and registration info.

Klett inducted into Michigan Construction Hall of Fame

On October 16th, Jim Klett was presented with a "Distinguished Constructor Award" and was inducted into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame located at Ferris State University. The award recognizes the significant achievements made by individuals to the Michigan construction industry.

Jim joined the family business, Klett Construction, in the early - 70's. He guided the business in its third generation of operations and grew Klett Construction into a very competitive and successful HMA producer and paving contractor. The company served the southwestern quadrant of Michigan and northern Indiana with three plants and is now a division of Michigan Paving & Materials Co.

An active voice in the construction industry, Jim has served as past president of both the Michigan Road Builders Association and the Michigan Asphalt Paving Association. He is currently the president of APAM and also Michigan's NAPA State Director. A longtime advocate for construction education, Jim is the current chair of the College of Technology's Construction Technology and Management Advisory Committee at Ferris State University. In recognition of his significant financial contributions and his tireless dedication to construction education, Ferris State University officially dedicated the Klett Family Materials Laboratory in Jim's honor. Most recently, Jim received an honorary doctoral degree from Ferris State University in 2006.

Click here to view video about Jim's life and experiences in the industry which was shown at the induction ceremony.

Congratulations to Jim for receiving this well deserved honor!

 

Donald Hodgkiss Passes Away

Don Hodgkiss, uncle to Glenn Hodgkiss recently retired from Rieth-Riley Construction (formerly H&D), passed away on November 12th in Naples Florida. It was Don's father along with Bill Douma that started Hodgkiss & Douma, Inc. (H&D) in 1938. Don worked for the family company from 1950 to 1986 when he retired.

In 2006, Don and his wife Nancy established an endowed chair in civil engineering at Michigan State University. Their gift, the Donald and Nancy A. Hodgkiss Endowed Chair in Civil Engineering, will support a faculty position that focuses on civil infrastructure with emphasis on road and airport design, construction, and materials.

Click here to view a picture of Don And Nancy and read an article on their endowment.

APAM extends their sympathies to the family.

Read the full obituary

Tool Box Talks at Reduced Price
The easels have just been reduced from $85 to $50 for Members. Take advantage of these savings, and build a better crew at the same time.

The Toolbox Talks currently being offered at this price of $50 include:

Truck Exchange (TAS-32)
Longitudinal Join Construction (TAS-33)
Forces of compaction (TAS-34)
Rolling procedures (TAS 35)
MTV Exchange (TAS-36)

Visit NAPA's site to order

 

Porous Asphalt Pavements for Stormwater Management - Revised 11/2008
This all-new update of NAPA's popular publication provides the latest information on these dual-purpose pavements. Click on the link to order a copy

 

Hugh William Collins Passes Away

Hugh William "Bill" Collins, formerly with Marathon Oil Company, passed away November 11th at the age of 91. Mr. Collins was head of industrial sales for Marathon and was involved with marketing asphalt cement in Michigan for many years. Our condolences to his family.

NAPA 54th Annual Meeting
January 18-21, 2009 in San Diego, CA
For info and to register

NCAUPG Conference

February 4-5, 2009 in Madison WI.
Registration Info

APAM Asphalt Paving Conference
February 25-26, 2009
Kalamazoo Radisson Hotel

2009 World of Asphalt
March 9-12, 2009
For more info click here

2009 MDOT Certification Training for Mix Designers
March 16-19, 2009 in Lansing MI Brochure