Repaving the Dale Mabry Highway (State Road 597) in Tampa, Fla. presented a range of technical and logistical challenges. This busy urban corridor connects key destinations including MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa International Airport and Raymond James Stadium. As a result, the resurfacing work demanded precise coordination with these major stakeholders, a dense network of local businesses, ongoing event schedules as well as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to maintain traffic flow and ensure public safety.
From the project’s onset, CRH Company, Preferred Materials prioritized innovative paving practices and material resource efficiency. The team incorporated a lower-carbon asphalt mix which uses a high percentage of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) that significantly reduces the product’s percentage of virgin materials and lowers its emissions.
In addition, Preferred Materials used oscillating rollers in place of traditional vibrating compactors. This technique helped minimize vibrations affecting nearby structures and underground utilities, reduced disturbance to local wildlife and lowered noise levels for surrounding neighborhoods – an important consideration in urban environments.
The project achieved an impressive score, for a non-limited access urban roadway, indicating exceptional smoothness and quality.
In fact, Preferred Materials achieved an average International Roughness Index (IRI) of 32 on this project which underscores a high industry standard of precision.
This performance was achieved through advanced equipment, including multiplex averaging systems on the milling machine and precision averaging controls on the paver. Efficient coordination of the paving train further reduced stops and ensured a seamless final product.
Preferred Materials maintained close collaboration with FDOT’s Construction Engineering and Inspection team and environmental consultants throughout the project. Together, they proactively addressed potential challenges – from eagle nesting zones to nighttime pedestrian safety – building trust with stakeholders and keeping the project on schedule.
The work completed for the Dale Mabry Highway project showcases how thoughtful engineering, environmental responsibility and collaborative leadership can deliver exceptional results. Preferred Materials was awarded the 2024 A.P. Bolton Award, FDOT's Best in Construction and the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida's Smoothest Pavement Award.
