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Once the existing travel lanes are milled and filled, and the additional travel lane (being constructed along the median) is completed, all three lanes will then receive a ¾-inch wearing course.

“Earthwork on the additional travel lane is progressing and once the final lift of base rock is placed, we’ll be able to begin paving that portion of the project,” says Minich. “Even though the project is set up into five segments, we’ll move forward based on the permits we have at the time and the logistical capabilities of what can be done based on other work that has to be done first.”

The $430-million project, heralded in Southeast Construction as “Florida’s biggest-ever road job,” covers 30 miles in Lee and Collier Counties and entails widening the highway from two to three lanes, replacing 500,000 tons of asphalt, and widening or replacing 24 bridges and one major interchange along the route. Work began in late October.

A design-build approach

Anderson Columbia Co. Inc. and Ajax are collaborating on the project and have formed a joint venture company with the sole purpose of constructing this project. The joint venture, known as ACCI /API, will perform the majority of the work themselves and subcontract other portions to bridge builder Leware Construction and drainage contractor Guymann Construction of Florida, Inc.

The project will run north of the Golden Gate Parkway in Collier County to south of State Road 80 in Lee County, including the Immokalee Road interchange, traveling through Fort Myers to Naples.