Southwest National Forest System Roads Paving
AGENCY: USDA Forest Service
LOCATION: Black Mesa Ranger District, Overgaard, Arizona
SIZE: $11,835,596
PRIME: Warm Springs Construction
AWARD DATE: September 2023
COMPLETED: September 2024
The Black Mesa Ranger District, located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Overgaard, Arizona, features a climate with mild summers and cold, snowy winters. This area showcases a variety of landscapes, including dense forests and open meadows, attracting numerous outdoor enthusiasts. Its diverse elevations and rugged terrain influence the distinct weather patterns and ecological diversity observed here.
Road conditions in this district are crucial for the accessibility and safety of both the community and visitors. In the winter, roads often become hazardous due to snow and ice, while summer storms can lead to erosion and additional maintenance challenges. Well-maintained roads are essential for facilitating emergency services, supporting the local economy through tourism, and providing access to recreational spots within the forest. Maintaining road quality in this region requires selecting materials that can endure the local climate and implementing effective drainage systems to handle rain and snowmelt.
In September 2023, AACON collaborated with the tribally owned 8(a) Warm Springs Construction Enterprise to carry out the USDA Forest Service Special Projects Operations Center Southwest's award for the National Forest System Roads (NFSR) 300 Paving Project. This project took place in the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, covering a stretch of road repair work spanning 9.57 miles.
The scope of work for this project involved removing 4 inches of the existing roadway over a width of 28 feet along the current centerline of NFSR 300. The material removed during this process was repurposed for use along the roadside, facilitating the blending of roadway shoulders with the surrounding terrain. The project also incorporated drainage improvements along its entirety. Following the removal phase, the roadway underwent shaping and crowning in preparation for the base layer's application. An 8-inch base layer was then placed and compacted according to the specified standards. Upon receiving approval from the USDA Forest Service, a 5-inch layer of hot mix asphalt was applied in two lifts, adhering to the project's specifications. The AACON team completed the project by striping the entire length of the newly paved asphalt roadway.
