20-Year VRAM Success Story: US-51

After decades of testing, J-Band®, the premier Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) from Asphalt Materials Inc. (AMI), is the proven innovation that dramatically reduces the age-old problem of longitudinal joint deterioration. Take a look back with us at one of the first projects to incorporate this game-changing asphalt product.

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How Asphalt Materials Implemented the 5S Methodology

This past year, AMI continued to implement the 5S method within our plants to better improve safety, apply Lean principles and to support our employees at our plants. All 22 locations are trained on the 5S process by plant managers who have received their yellow belt training. 

AMI completed about 19 Kaizens this past year to improve their sites using 5S. Kaizens are business activities that help improve functions and processes. The Director of Operations and Quality Control Director helps prioritize and select which locations need to perform a Kaizen. 

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Revitalizing Sustainability: Asphalt Materials and US Aggregates Unite in Pallet Reusing Initiative 

Heritage Construction + Materials companies Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI) and US Aggregates have joined together to build a program that finds new ways to reuse AMI’s pallets at US Aggregates’ locations.  

This initiative keeps AMI from recycling their pallets through a third-party vendor, as well as from being discarded. It also aids in increasing efficiency amongst US Aggregates since the pallets will be received through an internal company.   

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Better Together: One HC+M Supporting Reins of Life

At HC+M, we know that our work in the communities we serve expands beyond construction projects. We build relationships within our Heritage family and give back to organizations who serve our community and our very own team members. We are proud to share how Milestone Contractors, Asphalt Materials, Inc. and US Aggregates came together to support Reins of Life in Michigan City, Indiana. 

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Enhancing Safety Protocols Through Strategic Operational Audits

Safety is an important part of everything we do. At Asphalt Materials, Inc. we understand that to succeed, we need to create a culture where everyone can share ideas and have a voice at every level of our company. Through communication, education and prevention, we accomplish our goal of getting our employees and associates home safely at the end of each day.  

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Paving the Future: Montana Highway 200

Co-authors: Andrew Eicher & Naarah Holloway

Road managers know that the longitudinal joint is the first part of the pavement to fail. As a road’s most permeable part, this joint is susceptible to the elements. Air and water work down through this gap causing the joint to deteriorate, crack and pothole. And when the longitudinal joint fails, the rest of the road soon follows—triggering the need for even more maintenance.

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How To Drive Safely This Holiday Season

(Featured Photo by Thom Holmes on Unsplash)

The holiday season is upon us, which means sitting for prolonged periods in the car. Whether it is traveling to visit loved ones or attend a festive event, safety behind the wheel should be a priority. During the holiday season, adverse weather conditions, heightened traffic, and various distractions can call for challenges on the road. Holiday events and celebrations should be a joyous time for friends and family, but these celebrations can quickly turn into a tragic event if we are not being mindful. AAA predicts there will be 55.4 million people traveling (including more than 49 million Americans driving) between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 23) and the Sunday after the holiday — making this the third-busiest Thanksgiving travel period in more than two decades. This season lets us make a commitment to road safety, the wellbeing of ourselves, our passengers, our hard-working road crews and fellow motorists.  

Here are simple ways you can stay safe on the roads this holiday season: 

  • Do not drink and drive. Do not drive when you are impaired, and do not allow your family members or friends to drive while impaired either. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a ride share service to protect yourself and others on the road. 
  • Inspect your vehicle. Take the time to ensure all of your lights are working and all fluid levels are normal. Check your tires, tire pressure, headlights, taillights, brake lights, and tag lights. 
  • Map out the route. Plan your route ahead of time and be aware of how projected weather conditions may affect your travels. 
  • Click it or ticket! Ensure you and your passengers are properly restrained in seat belts and car safety seats. 
  • Avoid fatigue. Ensure you receive a good night’s rest before driving, take breaks. If you begin to feel tired, share the driving or pull off the road to a rest area.  
  • Have an emergency plan. It is important to have a cell phone and charger with you in case of emergency situations. Keep emergency roadside assistance information on hand. 
  • Do not text and drive. Keeping your full attention on the road is important to ensure your and other motorists’ safety. If you need to use your cellphone, utilize a hands-free device. 
  • Keep a safe driving distance. A safe driving distance allows for ample time to react to traffic around you. If someone is tailgating you, allow them to pass and do not try to compete with impatient, aggressive drivers.  
  • Watch your speed. Do not go over the speed limit (especially in work zones) and give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your location. 
  • Remain calm. If you begin to feel stressed or irritable, take deep breaths and maintain your patience. If you drive with road rage, it compromises the safety of yourself and fellow drivers. 

Happy holidays, and safe travels from the AMI team! 

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