I recently had the unique opportunity to travel to a project on the A7 just outside Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany. I witnessed a two layer (or dual-lift) highway paving process which boasted an initial layer of 22cm/9.6” inches of concrete followed by an additional 5cm/2” inches of concrete, finished by a mechanized wire brush to reveal a rough surface designed to achieve highway noise reduction—a technique they call “whisper” concrete. The project was impressive, but what really captured my attention was the ACPA contractor members who asked multiple questions about the unusual application and shared information with the project engineers on common techniques in America. This level of education and collaboration was something special and I thank ACPA members PCI, McCarthy Improvement, Superior and Hulstein Excavating who trekked across the Atlantic Ocean in the name of their profession. I especially thank Wirtgen, Inc. for their ability to make this happen, and for their hospitality. As educational or collaborative opportunities arise, please do not hesitate to reach out to the ACPA staff. We love being on the grade across the country, if not the world.

Speaking of education and collaboration, ACPA’s preliminary program is ready. While the program is still being finalized and is subject to some change, for your planning convenience we are releasing the expected times, location, subject matter and speakers for each session. This is going to be a fabulous week in Marco Island, FL on December 12 – 14. Here are a few highlights:

Tuesday –

  • International Grooving and Grinding Association meetings and informational sessions.
  • Lunchtime speaker, AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon. Tymon will speak on the flow of infrastructure funds from the IIJA and IRA (including discretionary grants) and the impact they are having on STIPs and project planning across the country. He will provide observations on inflation and current construction industry constraints, while also speculating on the outlook for America’s infrastructure. Mr. Tymon has been AASHTO’s executive director since 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Tymon worked for the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  • Leisurely optional activities, choice of beach day or boat cruise. (Sign up when registering, additional fees apply.)
  • Welcome reception for all conference attendees, spouses and guests. Enjoy a beautiful conference kick off in a scenic beach location with live music, fabulous local light fare, and unique cocktail options. All are welcome!

Wednesday-

  • Breakfast speaker, Portland Cement Association President & CEO Mike Ireland. Ireland will touch on the topics of supply, market conditions, and anticipated PCA 2024 priorities.
  • ACPA Market Forums Sessions. Forums include Highway; Streets/Roads; Airport; and the newly reimagined Non-Traditional Markets Forum, which will capture industrial, ports, and emerging markets like high-speed rail.
  • ACPA Meeting of the Members, with an overview from ACPA leadership on the State of the Association and approval of the 2024 new Board of Directors and Committees.
  • State DOT Executives Panel moderated by former House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster, with participating State DOT Secretaries of Transportation including Secretary Omer Osman from Illinois, Secretary Tim Gatz from Oklahoma and Secretary Michael Carroll from Pennsylvania.
  • ACPA Chairman’s Reception, where we will raise a glass to a great year with Chairman Steve Friess and celebrate the impending retirements of ACPA promoters Kevin McMullen, Matt Zeller, and Bill Cuerdon.

Thursday –

  • ACPA Concrete Paving University Sessions. Session topics include Improving Concrete Pavement Mix Design and Incorporating Sustainability, Risk and Litigation, Contractor’s Guide to Environmental Product Declarations, Ensuring Smoothness Can be Achieved, and Rethinking the Basics of Finishing.
  • Distinguished Awards Luncheon including Promoter of the Year, the Marlin Knutson award and some local project recognition.
  • ACPA Board of Directors Meetings, invitation only.
  • ACPA Annual Awards Banquet to celebrate this year’s award-winning pavement projects alongside the Presidential Award and the Hartman-Hirschman-Egan Award.

If you have not already, register TODAY.

Cheers!