Article originally published in the Summer-Fall 2017 edition of the Colorado Public Works Journal
The Concrete Paving industry is producing work that results in durable and long-lasting projects. It is an even greater success when the work can also provide growth and substantial improvements to a community. In 2013 CDOT partnered with, Castle Rock Construction Company (CRCC), as well as the City of Brush and Morgan County to complete a project that did just that. The project focused on the reconstruction of I-76 through the town of Brush, CO and resulted in improving the local infrastructure.
CRCC provided materials and services for the paving as well as the plan for the new concrete roadway known as Hospital Road. Since Castle Rock Construction was already paving in the area, they partnered with the City of Brush to build the first concrete roadway in the town’s history. In the small town of Brush, both the hospital and the high school are located on this newly rebuilt road, both important to the town and served well by this long-term solution for Hospital Road. Castle Rock Construction created multiple mix designs focused on sustainability and smoothness. In addition to paving the durable concrete that replaced what was a deteriorating asphalt roadway, CRCC also installed drainage pipe, cut the grade to improve the profile and built curb and gutter improving the drainage of the area. The city hired a designer who relied on ACPA and CRCC for guidance and design. This road would serve as the “Gateway to Brush” for the people of Brush as well as the travelling public. In the end, the project accomplished the goals set forth by all parties involved and will be a great addition to the town of Brush for decades to come.
Love’s Truck stop is currently under construction at the SE corner of I-76 and Hospital Road Interchange.
Fast forward a few years and the work yielded from the partnership between CRCC and CDOT has created not only a more efficient and effective roadway, but an opportunity for growth and new business in this small town. In early 2016 the way was paved for a popular Love’s Truck stop franchise to plant roots in Brush, and found the perfect real estate located on the Southeast corner of the newly renovated I-76 and Hospital Road. Love’s truck stop is not the only project planned in response to the newly renovated section of the interstate, Tyler Purvis, Marketing Specialist for the City of Brush tells us, “Love’s has subdivided the land and in addition to the Truck Stop, is reserving one lot for a future hotel, and will make the other 3 lots available for commercial use.”
Construction of Love’s Truck Stop is currently in the beginning stages.
Additional city improvement projects planned are to rebuild a Travel Stop located at the SH 71 exit and “redevelop a property just north of the interstate that was once an old feedlot.”
The implementation of these new businesses will provide additional jobs and generate new local revenue for the town. Many members of this small community are excited about the addition of a local business. Tyler also mentioned that, “the new interstate, coupled with other recent public works projects in Brush, has been beneficial in beautifying our community and adding to its appeal for development.”
While the concrete pavement industry certainly can’t take credit for all the exciting new development in the City of Brush, it is fair to say that projects like Hospital Road bring with them opportunities for new life within communities.
For more information, please contact Angela Folkestad (afolkestad@pavement.com) or Jamie Johnson (jjohnson@pavement.com).
