This past summer, our Fort Wayne crews started work with the City of Fort Wayne to revitalize Ridgewood Drive from North Clinton St. to Newport Ave., enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. 

The Ridgewood Drive Improvements Project involved a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure. Including the following:  

• Sidewalks: New sidewalks were installed, providing safe and accessible pathways for pedestrians. 

• Curbs: Concrete curbs were added to define the roadway and improve drainage. 

• ADA Ramps: ADA-compliant ramps were constructed to ensure accessibility for all individuals. 

• Storm Drainage: Enhanced storm drainage systems were implemented to manage water flow and prevent flooding. 

• Street Lighting: Modern street lighting was installed to improve visibility and safety during nighttime. 

• Restoration: The areas surrounding the project were restored to their original condition, ensuring a seamless integration with the community. 

Challenges and Solutions 

Every construction project comes with its challenges, and the Ridgewood Drive Improvements were no exception. Initially, the plan was to use full-depth asphalt for the pavement. However, during construction, numerous underground utilities posed challenges in achieving the proper stone and asphalt depth. As the season progressed, our team also found it became increasingly difficult to lay asphalt within the required time frames. In response to these challenges, and through effective communication and partnership with the City of Fort Wayne, the decision was made to switch to concrete pavement for the entire project. This adaptation ensured the project could be completed efficiently and to a high standard. The new concrete roadway, along with the curbs and sidewalks, has significantly improved drainage and mobility in the neighborhood. In the end, this project stands as a testament to effective problem-solving and collaboration, and it will have a lasting positive impact on the community for years to come. 

Safety First  

Ensuring the safety of both workers and the public was paramount throughout this project. A full closure strategy was implemented to minimize risks associated with construction activities. The largest and most important step to ensuring that this was a safe work zone is the relationship we have formed with the City of Fort Wayne. This partnership was built on a shared commitment to safety, ensuring that every decision we made prioritized the well-being of everyone involved. Regular safety meetings, thorough planning and constant communication were key components of our approach. Our collective goal was clear: to maintain a safe environment where everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. 

Awards Received  

We are proud to announce that the Ridgewood Drive Improvements Project was recognized at 2025 ACPA Indiana Concrete Pavement Workshop winning the 2025 Excellence in Concrete Award from the Indiana Chapter. This prestigious award highlights the outstanding quality and craftsmanship demonstrated throughout the project. The award acknowledges our commitment to using innovative solutions and maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency. We are honored with this recognition as it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and our strong partnership with the City of Fort Wayne.