A Publication of Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association
In This Issue
Third Quarter 2026
Going HiMod: Thinner Lifts, Lower Costs AAPA Paving Award Winner Photos Arkansas Ranks First in Road Rage Emerging Leaders Summer Event Recap Women of Asphalt & Construction Angels Updates
2 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN 2026-2027 OFFICERS Chairman Denis Guillette Redstone Construction Group Vice Chairman Guy Washburn Cranford Construction Co. Secretary-Treasurer Max Mathis Blackstone Construction
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Matt Cashion The Cashion Co. Murry Cline APAC-Central Inc. Brandon Finn Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. Steve Forsgren Forsgren, Inc. D.B. Hill, III AGC Representative Bobby Kennedy Past Chairman CK Asphalt Lane Loper Asphalt & Fuel Supply Brad Marotti Delta Asphalt of Arkansas Brock Mathis Emerging Leaders Chair Blackstone Construction Vince Tate Martin Marietta
Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association Mailing Address P.O. Box 24304 Little Rock, AR 72221 Phone (501) 224-4840 www.arasphalt.com office@arasphalt.com
Park Estes Executive Director director@arasphalt.com Administrative Services Best Association Management
Dear AAPA Members and Supporters, As I write this, we are at the peak of the asphalt paving season. With plenty of daylight, projects wrapping up, new projects getting underway, and school back in session, we are nearing the end of the third quarter of the year and the final push to complete projects before the cooler fall weather arrives. At this point, I think we could all use a rush of cool air. The 2026 season has brought prolonged and dangerous heat across the state, with heat indexes ranging from 105°F to 114°F. Denis Guillette As we work through another hot Arkansas summer, heat safety must remain a top priority. Our people are our most important asset, and nothing we do is more important than making sure everyone gets home safely. Construction work, especially paving and milling, can be physically demanding in extreme heat. Staying hydrated, taking breaks, finding shade when possible, and looking out for your coworkers can help prevent heat-related illness. Most importantly, know the warning signs and speak up if you or someone around you isn’t feeling right. Take care of yourself, look out for your coworkers, and make safety a priority every day. The AAPA Emerging Leaders recently gathered in Little Rock for an afternoon of skeet shooting followed by a Travelers baseball game. The event provided a great opportunity for young leaders in the asphalt and aggregate industry to network, build relationships, and enjoy fellowship outside of the workplace. A special thank you to Stribling Equipment for sponsoring the skeet shooting and Jeffrey Sand for providing the box for the Travelers game. We appreciate their support and everyone who participated in making the event a success. Our next event will be the November Fall Cook-Off. Be on the lookout for more information. This year, we are switching things up and moving the event from the northeast to the northwest corner of the state in Fayetteville. Planning for the 2027 Quality Conference is well underway, and we have a great agenda taking shape with an impressive lineup of talented speakers. I appreciate everyone who has invested their time and effort in making next year’s conference a success. We are looking forward to another great event and a strong turnout from our members and industry partners. A quick update on the Executive Director search. We have been actively interviewing candidates for the position and have been fortunate to receive interest from several highly qualified candidates. Our goal is to have the new Executive Director in place this fall, allowing for an appropriate transition period with Park. In August, ARDOT released the proposed 2027 Standard Specifications for Construction for public comment. A great deal of time and effort has gone into this update by ARDOT and the industry members who were invited to participate in the process. AAPA appreciates the collaborative effort that has gone into this rewrite. It is a great example of the partnership between ARDOT and the industry and demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together toward a common goal. As we head into the final stretch of the 2026 paving season, I encourage everyone to stay focused, think safe, and continue looking out for one another. Thank you for your continued support of AAPA and for everything you do to strengthen our industry. Thank you, Denis Guillette 2026 AAPA Chairman Vice President Highway, Redstone Construction Group, Inc. ON THE COVER: Hwy. 64 roundabout in Conway. Photo courtesy of Rogers Group, Inc.
AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 3
3rd Quarter 2026 Contents
3/
25/
6/
26/
Chairman’s Letter
Paving Award Winners
13/
Going HiMod: Thinner Lifts, Lower Costs
2026 Hot Mixers Club
Women of Asphalt 3rd Quarter Update
28/
Construction Angels Jingle Rocks 5K
18/
30/
20/
32/
Emerging Leaders Summer Event
Arkansas Ranks First in Road Rage
Five ARDOT Women Share Their Experiences Working in Construction
ARDOT Personnel Changes
AAPA ADVERTISER INDEX APAC-Central, Inc. ..............................................................33 Clark Machinery ..................................................................35 Cranford Construction ........................................................36 Creative Design Concepts ...................................................23 Delta Asphalt of Arkansas ......................................................24 Ergon ............................................................................back page First Community Bank .........................................................36 Forsgren ..................................................................................33 Highway Graphics ....................................................................2 JDS Supply ...............................................................................4 Riggs CAT .............................................................................37 River Valley Quarries ...........................................................34 Salt Creek Paving .................................................................. 36 Time Striping ..........................................................................19
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4 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
2026-2027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Denis Guillette Chairman Redstone Construction Group
Guy Washburn Vice Chairman Cranford Construction
Max Mathis Sec/Treas & NAPA Rep Blackstone Construction
Matt Cashion The Cashion Co.
Murry Cline APAC-Central, Inc.
Brandon Finn Emery Sapp & Sons
Steve Forsgren Forsgren, Inc.
D.B. Hill, III AGC Representative
Bobby Kennedy Past Chairman CK Asphalt
Lane Loper Asphalt & Fuel Supply
Brad Marotti Delta Asphalt of Arkansas
Brock Mathis Emerging Leaders Chair Blackstone Construction
Vince Tate Martin Marietta AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 5
PAVING AWARD WINNERS
AAPA Regional & Statewide Paving Award Winners
*indicates Statewide winner State Aid Roads-County Multi-Lane Region 2: Cranford Construction (SA1067) Region 1: Delta Asphalt of Arkansas (101076) Region 3: Blackstone Construction (SA5864) Region 2: Jet Asphalt & Rock Co. (A70037) Region 4: APAC-Central, Inc. (SA0448)* Region 3: Blackstone Construction (080648) Region 5: CK Asphalt, LLC (SA1259) Region 4: APAC-Central, Inc. (A90025) Region 5: Kiewit-Massman Construction (CA0602)* State Aid Streets-City Region 2: Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel (C76074) Two Lane Highway-ADT Greater than 2000 Region 3: Tri-State Asphalt (C76089)* Region 1: Delta Asphalt of Arkansas (A00071) Region 4: Atlas Asphalt (C76083) Region 2: Phillips Hardy, Inc. (020630) Region 5: Atlas Asphalt (C67007) Region 3: McGeorge Contracting Co. (080711)* Region 4: APAC-Central, Inc. (A90032) Pavement Preservation Region 5: Cranford Construction (A60035) Region 1: Atlas Asphalt (SA1668) Region 3: Salt Creek Paving (SA5561)* Two Lane Highway-ADT Less than 2000 Region 4: Emery Sapp & Sons (SA2456) Region 4: Emery Sapp & Sons (A90026)* Region 5: Atlas Asphalt (A50031)
Passing of David Foster We are saddened to announce the passing of David Foster, a longtime employee of APAC. David passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026 in Bentonville. David enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. He loved his career as a Civil Engineer, and enjoyed working with all his coworkers at APAC. He was an active member of Central United Methodist Church of Rogers for many years where he served in many ways. He was a handyman that loved helping his friends and family with various projects. He loved golf and sports, especially “Calling His Hogs.” He was co-owner of Dilly Dally’s Toy Store for 21 years with his wife Susan. Memorials may be sent to Circle of Life Hospice. 6 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
AAPA Unique/Commercial Award Winners Commercial Parking Facility: Crossland Construction Company (XNA Parking Lot Expansion) Local Road/Street: APAC-Central, Inc. (City of Bella Vista Street Resurfacing)
PAVING AWARD WINNERS
Paving Award Winners Region 1
Two Lane Highway-ADT Greater than 2000 Delta Asphalt of Arkansas
Multi-Lane Delta Asphalt of Arkansas
Pavement Preservation Atlas Asphalt, Inc. AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 7
PAVING AWARD WINNERS
Paving Award Winners Region 2
Two Lane Highway-ADT Greater than 2000 Phillips Hardy Inc.
State Aid Streets-City Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel
State Aid Roads-County Cranford Construction 8 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
Multi-Lane Jet Asphalt & Rock Co.
PAVING AWARD WINNERS
Paving Award Winners Region 3
*indicates Statewide winner
Two Lane Highway-ADT Greater than 2000 McGeorge Contracting Co.*
Multi-Lane Blackstone Construction
Pavement Preservation Salt Creek Paving and Construction*
State Aid Streets-City Tri-State Asphalt*
State Aid Roads-County Blackstone Construction AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 9
PAVING AWARD WINNERS
Paving Award Winners Region 4
*indicates Statewide winner
Two Lane Highway-ADT Less than 2000 Emery Sapp & Sons*
Two Lane Highway-ADT Greater than 2000 APAC-Central
Multi-Lane APAC-Central
Pavement Preservation Emery Sapp & Sons
State Aid Streets-City Atlas Asphalt, Inc.
State Aid Roads-County APAC-Central*
10 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
PAVING AWARD WINNERS
Paving Award Winners Region 5
*indicates Statewide winner
Two Lane Highway-ADT Greater than 2000 Cranford Construction
Multi-Lane Kiewit-Massman Construction*
Pavement Preservation Atlas Asphalt, Inc.
State Aid Streets-City Atlas Asphalt, Inc.
State Aid Roads-County CK Asphalt
AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 11
UNIQUE/COMMERCIAL AWARD WINNERS
Unique/Commercial Award Winners
Commercial Parking Facility XNA Parking Lot Expansion - Crossland Construction Company
Local Road or Street City of Bella Vista Resurfacing - APAC-Central 12 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
GOING HIMOD: THINNER LIFTS, LOWER COSTS
Going HiMod: Thinner Lifts, Lower Costs by Deborah Horn “It went off without a paving technology that uses a hitch,” is how Daryl a liquid asphalt with a higher Masingale described Delta polymer (HP) content than Companies Inc.’s experience conventional asphalt mixes, with an experimental HiMod and a higher total binder application in Northeast content. The binder content was Arkansas. This was the Arkansas approximately 20% higher for Department of Transportation’s this job. (ARDOT) first use of the “It’s rich in liquid, but application technique in otherwise, it wasn’t too different Arkansas. from using regular asphalt,” Masingale is the Operations Masingale said. Manager for Delta, and his Once cooled, the highcompany was the contractor on performance mix, with an the $1,303,575.79 job A00097 additional 1% HP binder, allows that also involved Ergon Inc. it to form a durable surface, and the Asphalt Pavement improving resistance to rutting Alliance. and fatigue cracking while The half-mile U.S. Hwy. reducing overall costs and the 67, Section 20, project in Clay time needed to put down the On the right, Buzz Powell, Ph.D., served as a County included replacing consultant on the HiMod project, a half-mile section asphalt. concrete pavement, earthwork, of U.S. Hwy. 67 in Clay County, just north of Reyno. The HiMod treatment allows and asphalt patching, and using Powell and Park Estes, AAPA Executive Director for thinner applications of HiMod mix with a high polymer (left), talk about the HiMod process. asphalt material. binder. Masingale said for the Masingale said, “We were HiMod mix project, ARDOT laying thinner pavement, but it reduced the total pavement thickness from 13” to 10”, was doing the same as thicker pavement.” a 23% reduction in the quantity of asphalt used for the His crews were able to complete the same amount mainline paving. of work in less time and using less material, reducing Just as in the first phase of the project, which the needed material from approximately 3,000 tons to wrapped up in early July, Masingale said the company 1,800 tons. didn’t encounter any problems on the production or The use of HiMod requires a constant temperature application side of the job on the two-lane highway just of about 330 degrees, but Masingale said this didn’t north of Reyno. pose any problems or require additional work during HiMod is an alternative method to traditionally mix, transport, or application of the HiMod asphalt. laying asphalt. Highly Modified Asphalt (HiMod) is If the mixture is allowed to drop below about 325 AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 13
GOING HIMOD: THINNER LIFTS, LOWER COSTS
“There is an increase in the cost per ton to run the mix, but HiMod allows us to significantly reduce thickness (e.g., from 15 inches to 10 inches). Because there will be no deep distresses, the road will never have to be rebuilt again, and all that needs to be done is shallow preservation and maintenance. Powell said, “Altogether, this makes it much easier and cost-effective to preserve and maintain the pavement. Most state DOTs are looking for ways to cut costs while extending the life of their pavements. Better performance with less thickness and longer life, a win-win for the taxpayers.” Masingale said, “We would bid on this type of work in the future.” The U.S. Hwy. 67 job was started in June and wrapped up in late July.
Crews work on the HiMod project, a half-mile section of U.S. Hwy. 67 in Clay County, just north of Reyno.
degrees, the mixture stiffens, but thicker lift placement extends cooling times after the asphalt is laid. The temperature requirements were easy to adapt to, Masingale said. Buzz Powell, Ph.D., the current Technical Director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance and a retired NCAT Associate Director and Auburn University Research Professor, served as a consultant on this project. In this role, he interfaced with ARDOT as an advocate for HiMod and served as a consultant on demand in the field. After completion, Powell and the contractor talked about the project to debrief and improve the process for future jobs. Delta reported a few “fat spots”, basically areas on the surface that look “globby”, but Powell said this could be easily eliminated by adding a small amount of stone screenings (stone sand) to the mix to increase surface area. Reporting concerns or problems and debriefings at this stage are important going forward, because Powell said, “We learn from this as we go.” Powell said he is pleased with the Hwy. 67 job. HiMod is not for use everywhere, but like using recycled materials in a mix, it gives DOTs another option and even improves a mix. 14 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
Two-Way Roadway: ARDOT’s First HiMod Job Paul Tinsley, ARDOT’s Materials Division Head, said, “The existing roadway was very worn. It had given us many years of good service.” The 10-inch concrete pavement had deteriorated beyond any practical restoration treatment. The original design called for removing the concrete and excavating an additional 9 inches, creating a total reconstruction Paul Tinsley depth of 19 inches. The roadway would then be rebuilt using soil stabilization, 6 inches of aggregate base, and 13 inches of conventional asphalt. Excavation was limited to the 10-inch depth of the existing concrete pavement. Instead, the roadway was reconstructed with two 4-inch layers of HiMod asphalt and a 2-inch conventional asphalt surface. Tinsley said, “Using HiMod asphalt allowed ARDOT to substantially simplify the pavement section.” The revised design reduced excavation by 9 inches, eliminated the aggregate base, and decreased the total asphalt thickness from 13 inches to 10 inches while maintaining the required structural capacity. It also lowered the amount of material that had to be excavated, hauled, produced, and placed. Those reductions shortened construction operations, lessened impacts to traffic, and diminished
GOING HIMOD: THINNER LIFTS, LOWER COSTS
Daryl Masingale, Operations Manager for Delta Companies Inc., oversaw the HiMod project. Ergon Inc. and the Asphalt Pavement Alliance were also involved in the work undertaken on U.S. Hwy. 67 in Clay County.
the risk of weather-related delays. Although the HiMod mixture cost more per ton, the reduced material quantities resulted in an estimated project savings of approximately $100,000. “HiMod did more than replace one asphalt mixture with another. Its higher structural capability allowed us to redesign the entire pavement section, reduce excavation, eliminate the aggregate base, shorten construction, and lower the total project cost,” Tinsley said. As far as future use is concerned, Tinsley said, “ARDOT is also evaluating where HiMod asphalt may provide the greatest value on future projects.” Potential applications include high-volume roadways, routes carrying heavy truck traffic, alternative pavement bids for new interstate construction, and locations where raising the roadway grade would create clearance or drainage problems. Because HiMod can provide greater structural capacity with less pavement thickness, it may be especially useful where excavation depth, traffic disruption, or vertical clearance is a major concern. ARDOT does not expect HiMod to replace conventional asphalt in every application, but it could
become an important option for projects where its performance and construction benefits justify the additional material cost, Tinsley said. What the Experts Said Powell spoke at the 2026 AAPA Quality Conference about HiMod. He described the technology as “producing an extremely durable product…It’s a game changer.” He is a “huge advocate of this technology.” Not only did he work with the mix at NCAT, but he also worked with it at an asphalt plant and believes it’s a “wise investment” of a state’s resources. Powell said, “What makes this mix different? It solves the problem of cracking because it builds thinner pavements that will never crack, and the high polymer will prevent rutting.” The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University has validated HiMod technology in the laboratory as well as on the NCAT Pavement Test Track as producing low air-void, thick-lift mixes that provide exceptional density, rut resistance, and crack prevention under heavy traffic conditions. AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 15
GOING HIMOD: THINNER LIFTS, LOWER COSTS The university asphalt test facility also reported that HiMod’s lower rate of air voids blocks water infiltration, thus limiting freeze-thaw damage and potholes. It withstands intense wheelload testing exceeding 40,000 passes in Hamburg rut testing, and lowers the long-term lifecycle maintenance costs, NCAT reports. “The biggest challenge can be inventory management,” such as a binder’s shelf life potentially being five to seven days. Powell added, “Respect that and work with your supplier.”
Location of the test HiMod work location on U.S. Hwy. 67.
On the Streets In 2021, Utah had a concrete-based weigh station in the high-altitude desert that completely failed and needed replacement. However, the state DOT knew it was going to fail again, so they decided to “try this new thing,” HiMod, Powell said. That was five years ago, and the weigh station is still in good shape. It can deal with all types of traffic, including heavy commercial vehicles, Powell said. In Utah, they’ve laid about two million tons, and that’s way past the implementation or testing phase, Powell said. “More states are making the shift to this technology,
and have fully embraced it,” Powell said. Some of these include Utah (the first to use it), Missouri, and others. “Missouri is a great example. They are very conservative in their decision-making,” Powell said. Currently, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is integrating HiMod asphalt mixes into major interstate projects, such as the $471 million I-44 freight corridor upgrade and regional pavement evaluations, according to MoDOT. Powell said, “The great thing about this technology is that any contractor can do this type of work, and it doesn’t give one company an advantage over another company.”
A cutaway of the HiMod process.
16 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 17
EMERGING LEADERS SUMMER EVENT
Emerging Leaders Summer Event Every summer, our Emerging Leaders get together to attend a Travelers baseball game and do a clay shoot. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a great chance for networking and friendly competition. Thank you to everybody who attended! The AAPA Emerging Leaders have several events each year; if you’d like to be more involved, email office@arasphalt.com. HUGE thanks to Stribling Equipment for helping set this up, and to Jeffrey Sand for providing the box for the Travelers game. 1st Place: Ty Clary 2nd Place: JC Ray 3rd Place: Dustin Ashlock Most Room for Improvement: Emma Stillman
18 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
EMERGING LEADERS SUMMER EVENT
AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 19
ROAD RAGE IN ARKANSAS
Arkansas Ranks First in Road Rage by Deborah Horn
In late May, a major consumer watch group announced that Arkansas had kicked Louisiana out of its top road-rage spot, and the Natural State now ranks number one in road rage and fatal aggressive driving incidents per 100,000 drivers. According to ConsumerAffairs research released on May 28, in an article titled “States With the Worst Road Rage,” Arkansas leads the nation in both accidents and accident-related deaths tied to aggressive or careless driving. Road rage accounted for about 47% of “all fatal crashes” in Arkansas, while about 48% of “all crashes” resulted in all traffic fatalities in the state. Both are the highest in the nation. The study identified New Mexico, Louisiana, Colorado, and New Jersey as rounding out the top five states.
20 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
The Consumer Affairs Research Team analyzed data on fatal crashes related to aggressive or careless driving, dangerous driving violations, and traffic incidents involving gun violence. Key Findings Further broken down, there are about 8.35 fatal crashes involving aggressive driving per 100,000 residents, with a fatality rate of about 9.33 deaths tied to aggressive behaviors per 100,000 residents. Perhaps this is not surprising, as Arkansas has been inching upward in road-rage incidents over the last few years. In 2024, the state ranked fifth, and in 2025 it ranked fourth, according to law enforcement experts. Arkansas earned the highest ranking because its number of fatal crashes and traffic deaths which could be tied to aggressive or careless driving were
ROAD RAGE IN ARKANSAS
While the widening of Sheridan Road in White Hall has been a long project, White Hall Mayor Noel Foster is asking drivers to be patient. In addition to the driver stresses of work zones and rush hour traffic, weather can have an impact.
the highest in the nation, ConsumerAffairs reported. These behaviors are responsible for nearly half of all fatal crashes and traffic fatalities in the state, which are the highest rates in the country. Just as frightening is the fact that traffic incidents involving gun violence are up—more than in any other state. This year, ConsumerAffairs reported that traffic incidents in Arkansas involving gun violence are about 0.36 per 100,000 people, and that traffic incidents involving weapons or gun violence increased more in Arkansas than in any other state. State Police Statistics In 2025, there were at least three non-work-zonerelated road rage shootings resulting in deaths in Arkansas. These happened in Hot Springs, Bentonville, and near Bono. According to the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers investigated more than 440 road rage incidents during the first half of 2025. “Of these incidents, 153 have involved one of the parties displaying a weapon, while 294 incidents were reported without a weapon.” In 2024, ASP investigated a total of 800 road rage incidents, including 333 cases involving weapons. These reported cases reflect a significant increase from 2023, when ASP investigated 284 cases of road rage. Why All the Rage? Matt Judah, a UA associate professor of psychology and a licensed clinical psychologist, said, “We spend
so much time in our cars. It becomes an extension of ourselves, and we have strong feelings associated with it.” On the other hand, Judah said, “When driving, we don’t always see a person. We don’t process it (the encounter) as a social interaction.” In a sense, our vehicle becomes “our armor, Matt Judah, a UA associate professor our shield.” Moreover, Judah of psychology and said, “Road rage isn’t just about anger, but we perceive aggressive a licensed clinical psychologist. driving as a threat, and at the moment, we live in a stand your ground culture.” The anger may have begun prior to the driver climbing in behind the wheel, Judah said. According to recent research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a staggering 96% of drivers reported engaging in aggressive driving or road rage behavior within the past year. In the ConsumerAffairs article, Matthew Bernarda, a licensed therapist in Orange County, California, said, “When another driver cuts you off in traffic or drives too close, your brain does not detect this as a minor inconvenience, but as a serious threat.” Judah agreed, adding that whether changing lanes or driving too slowly is unintentional, it doesn’t always line up with another driver’s perception of the situation. They may see it as a threat, or a comment on their status or honor. The driver who believes he has been wronged or slighted may “go so far as to chase AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 21
ROAD RAGE IN ARKANSAS
them down and hold road rage shooting on U.S. “Road rage isn’t just about aHighway them accountable.” 63 west of Bono. In Bernarda said anger, but we perceive September, Michael Mahan, 47, that it’s “not just bad aggressive driving as a threat, was killed in a shooting after manners or impatience. an altercation with another It is a complex and at the moment, we live in a driver in Hot Springs. The psychological event that stand your ground culture.” next month, Daniel Davidson, can escalate in a matter — Matt Judah, UA Associate Professor 29, was shot and killed after a of seconds.” verbal road rage argument in of Psychology and licensed traffic escalated and continued Further complicating clinical psychologist into a coffee shop parking lot in the situation, Judah said, “Angry people Bentonville. are more likely to act impulsively, to grab a gun or a baseball bat.” Rising Gun Violence One way to eliminate or slow this behavior is The numbers aren’t going down, according to data through the presence of law enforcement. Judah said, from the Gun Violence Archive, a group that tracks “People drive more carefully when seeing a police car gun violence incidents. In fact, they find that road rage and the (traffic) rules are enforced.” incidents involving firearms have increased nationally Road Rage on Our Streets Dave Parker, spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), said since the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions, society may be feeling more stressed, and this could manifest on our roadways. Road rage can be made worse by road construction zones, when drivers are often forced to slow down or stop, change or merge lanes, and many are frustrated or in a hurry. The number of road rage incidents directed at other drivers or construction workers has been on the rise. In 2023, the ASP investigated 284 road rage incidents involving weapons, a significant number highlighting a growing trend, with some incidents turning deadly, like the fatal Bentonville shooting of Daniel Davidson after a verbal fight escalated in a parking lot. In 2024, the ASP reported more than 300 road rage incidents involving weapons out of a total of 708 cases by late November, with nearly 45% of incidents involving the brandishing or firing of a gun. As of late June 2025, the ASP reported investigating over 440 road rage incidents, with 153, or about 34%, of those likely involving a weapon. There were at least three deaths last year tied to road rage and guns, including one in Hot Springs, Bentonville, and near Bono. In March in Craighead County, Allan Brown, 45, died at the hospital after 22 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
every year since 2018. Every 18 hours in 2023, a person was wounded or killed in a road rage incident that involved a gun, and unfortunately, these incidents have doubled from around 58 in 2018 to 118 in 2023. While overall crime trends varied, road rage shootings remained high postpandemic, with some reports showing a 400% increase in incidents between 2014 and recent years. Also adding to the numbers could be a documented rise in gun ownership and changes in carry laws, including inside vehicles and public spaces. Putting the Brakes on Road Rage The state police said they continue to investigate and prosecute incidents involving aggressive driving and encourage motorists to avoid engaging with hostile drivers, maintain distance from vehicles displaying aggressive behavior, avoid roadside confrontations, and contact law enforcement if they believe they are being followed or harassed. From the national to the street level, workplace violence is a hot topic. Washington State’s Department of Transportation has held safety talks with contractors on awareness and de-escalation following violent incidents, while groups like the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) advocate for more robust data collection on work zone crashes to better inform safety policies. ARDOT and groups such as the Arkansas Good
ROAD RAGE IN ARKANSAS Roads Foundation focus on safety, including protecting road construction workers from road rage. D.B. Hill, III, owner and president of D.B. Hill Contractors Inc., is a lifelong member of AGC Arkansas, a past president, and, as an AGC Lifetime National Director/ Governor, has worked at various levels as an advocate for safety on the job. In fact, he was the first Chairman of the National AGC Workzone Safety Committee. He said, “the issue of creating a safer work zone environment for roadway construction employees and the traveling public” is a top priority of the construction industry. “It remains an objective.” Hill believes a collaboration of ideas and resources, as well as education, is an effective means of accomplishing this goal. For instance, ARDOT developed a Slow Down, Phone Down campaign and designed a curriculum for Arkansas K-12 students. It’s not a traditional driver’s ed handbook, but it covers a broad range of safe driving topics, including navigating highway work zones. Jeff Holmes, Arkansas Highway Police Chief, said technology is also playing a key role in safer work zones Jeff Holmes, Arkansas and roadways. One example is Highway Police Chief, recommended slowing the Arkansas Highway Police’s down in work zones (AHP) use of a Jenoptik Speed and being courteous Trailer that can be set up at and patient with other drivers, especially during roadway construction or other sites. rush hour.
Holmes recommended slowing down in work zones and being courteous and patient with other drivers, especially during rush hour. What the Driver Can Do The ASP suggests practicing patience and courtesy and following these guidelines to prevent road rage incidents on Arkansas highways: • Avoid engaging other drivers, even if they have done something to make you angry, or you have made them angry. • Put as much distance between you and the other driver as possible. • Try not to make eye contact with them. • Never, ever pull off the roadway to confront them. They could have weapons. • Avoid creating a competitive situation with another driver, even if he is at fault. • Try not to take another person’s aggressive driving personally. • If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to engage you in risky driving, safely steer your vehicle out of the way. • Call law enforcement if you believe a driver is following you or harassing you. • ASP urges motorists not to hesitate to call authorities if they witness road rage. If you are a victim of road rage or aggressive driving that puts you or other motorists at risk, please follow through and make a report. Call 911 or, in non-emergency incidents, call *ASP (*277) to be connected to your local Troop Headquarters.
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AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 23
SAFETY. QUALITY. COMMUNITY. 11719 Higway 412 W Paragould, AR 72450 www.deltacos.com 870.573.6893
24 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
AAPA Hot Mixers Club 2026 APAC-Central Asphalt & Fuel Supply Atlas Asphalt, Inc. Blackstone Construction Cranford Construction Ergon Forsgren, Inc. Grant Garrett Co. Highway Graphics Jet Asphalt & Rock Co. Kiewit Oilstone Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Rogers Group, Inc. Smackover Paving Stribling Equipment Time Striping AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026 | 25
WOMEN OF ASPHALT
Women of Asphalt 3rd Quarter Update by Hannah Garison
What a great quarter for Women of Asphalt Arkansas! We’ve been busy building connections, finding ways to give back to the community, and creating opportunities to bring women together in the asphalt and construction industry. We had a Women of Asphalt Arkansas bowling team at the NAWIC Greater Little Rock Bowling Fundraiser, and we had a fantastic time! It was a great opportunity to get together, have some fun, and support our future women in construction. We’re excited to announce that we adopted Section 9 on Hwy. 65 near Pickles Gap! This is a part of the ARDOT and Keep Arkansas Beautiful Initiative, giving our members an opportunity to make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Have you seen our new Women of Asphalt accessories? 26 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
We have some fun new items available for our members! Members, be sure to come to one of our upcoming meetings or events to pick yours up. We’d love to see you there! We also had a joint happy hour with AGC Arkansas at Flyway Brewing in Little Rock, and we had an incredible turnout! It was wonderful seeing industry partners and friends come together to network, laugh, and enjoy an evening together. Huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out and made this event a success! And as always, thank you to AAPA and our sponsors for your continued support. We truly couldn’t do it without you! We are proud of the momentum Women of Asphalt continues to build, and we can’t wait to see what the next quarter brings. Thank you for being a part of our Women of Asphalt family!
WOMEN OF ASPHALT
Happy Hour: (left to right) Hannah Garison (WofA Chair) and Jayme Wadley with Redstone (WofA Vice Chair)
Bowling: (left to right) Hannah Garison (WofA Chair), Sherry Hamilton with Redstone, Jayme Wadley with Redstone (WofA Vice Chair)
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CONSTRUCTION ANGELS
Construction Angels Jingle Rocks 5K
by Hannah Garison, AR State Rep for Construction Angels and National Board of Directors Construction Angels fun run for all ages, and Arkansas are taking spectators are welcome, pride in our roadways too. by joining forces with This event will raise ARDOT and Keep money to support Arkansas Beautiful! We families of construction adopted section 7 on workers who have lost Hwy. 270, located near their lives on a job site the Martin Marietta Jones here in Arkansas. This Mill Quarry – the site of year alone, Construction our upcoming first ever Angels has distributed Construction Angels more than $470,000 Jingle Rocks Quarry 5K in financial assistance Fundraiser! to families, along with Hannah Garison, Kristi Ronyak from Construction Angels, and Mark your calendars others from Martin Marietta, Gray and Son, and Maryland Depart- hundreds of thousands of for Saturday, December ment of Transportation at the 4th Annual Crusher Run at the Texas dollars in scholarships for Quarry in Maryland. They ended up raising $41,555.85 after it was 12th! This is going to be all said and done. children of fallen workers a one-of-a kind holiday and qualified applicants experience. We will have a competitive division for pursuing a career in the construction industry. runners looking for a challenge, along with a family We need your help to make this event a success!
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CONSTRUCTION ANGELS
Sponsors are critical to making this fundraiser possible, and we encourage everyone from serious runners to families and first-time participants to sign up and join us. Most importantly, please help us spread the word about the Quarry 5K and mission of Construction Angels Arkansas.
A HUGE thank you to Martin Marietta for partnering with us to make this incredible event possible. We’re excited to bring you a 5K unlike any other, and we hope to see you at the quarry on December 12th, with BELLS ON!
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ARDOT WOMEN SHARE Reprinted with permission from ARDOT
FIVE ARDOT WOMEN SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES
WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION BY RUTHIE BERRYHILL
W
OMEN IN CONSTRUCTION (WIC) WEEK, LED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION (NAWIC), IS AN ANNUAL INITIATIVE THAT CELEBRATES, EDUCATES, AND PROMOTES THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. NAWIC HAS MORE THAN 6,000 MEMBERS NATIONWIDE. WIC WEEK IS CELEBRATED DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH. In celebration of WIC, we visited with some of the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) women who work in construction and asked them about their careers with ARDOT.
BRANDI DAVIS, INSPECTOR, RE 05 As an Inspector, Davis is responsible for on-site survey work and inspection of contract construction to ensure compliance with design plans and specifications. She has a high school diploma, on-the-job experience, and good mathematical skills. What are some of your job duties at ARDOT? “I inspect work in progress throughout the day, from building bridges to pavement preservations.” What is the best part of working in construction? “Being able to see different things every day, and then, being able to say as you drive over something that you helped build it.”
CINDY GREEN, SENIOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS INSPECTOR, RE 84 As a Senior Construction Materials Inspector, Green conducts material field tests; ensures that materials are properly handled and applied by contractors and corrections in procedure are promptly made; prepares reports showing results of materials testing, documentation of contractor test results, and verification of test results; and trains other personnel for the required Center for Training Transportation Professionals certifications. Green has a high school diploma and is certified in asphalt, concrete, and soil aggregates testing. What is the best part of working in construction? “Being part of building good, safe roads because they are integral to the livelihood of all Arkansans.” What advice do you have for women interested in working in construction? “Embrace learning all that you can. If you are interested in this field, then ask questions, especially from people who have been working in the field for a long time.”
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ARDOT WOMEN SHARE CHARLENE HAYNES, ADVANCED RESIDENT OFFICE TECHNICIAN, RE 32 As an Advanced Resident Office Technician, Haynes reviews Daily Work Reports; checks pay items against plans for quantities and mathematical errors; generates, reviews, and initiates estimates; reviews required material tests; and notifies staff and contractors of estimate schedule changes, needed test reports, and other paperwork for paying contract items. In addition to a high school diploma, Haynes has on-the job training in construction. What made you interested in a career in construction? “It kind of fell in my lap. I saw an opening for the Field Clerk position in Hope, RE 32, in Construction. I applied and got the position after being interviewed.” What advice do you have for women interested in working in construction? “Just apply – whether it is to work outside or learning what goes on behind-thescenes, construction has many different avenues.”
MARIA MARISCAL-CAGULADA, ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN, RE 43 As an Engineering Technician, Mariscal-Cagulada’s job duties vary from project to project. They include creating designs for Pavement Preservation projects; working asphalt overlays; and reporting and documenting sample collections, payments, and inspections. In addition to a high school diploma, she has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. What made you interested in a career in construction? “At the University of Arkansas, the Civil Engineering Program is designed for students to learn about all aspects of civil engineering. As you go along you find what you like – it’s hard to not love something when you find joy in it. Now I can’t travel without seeing roads through a work lens.” What advice do you have for women interested in working in construction? “Just do it. You won’t be alone, and you’re paving the road for the future generation of women to do the same.”
LORI STINNETT, CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COORDINATOR, RE 76 As a Construction Project Coordinator, Stinnett inspects contractors’ work; coordinates with utility contractors; assists with job finals and material certification; and designs overlay projects for Pavement Preservation projects. In addition to a high school diploma, she has material certifications in soils testing, and concrete sampling and testing. What is the best part of working in construction? “Improving existing roadways and building new roadways for better public transportation.” What advice do you have for women interested in working in construction? “Working in construction is fun. There’s something new every day.”
This year’s WIC Week was held March 1 through March 7. You can learn more about WIC Week through the NAWIC website at nawic.org/wic-week. ARKANSAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE | 2026: ISSUE 1 ||
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ARDOT PERSONNEL CHANGES
ARDOT Personnel Changes Erica Adams - Assistant Chief Engineer of Program Delivery
Travis Brooks - Assistant Chief Engineer of Planning
Adams has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She is a Registered Professional Engineer. Adams began her career with the Department as an Engineering Intern prior to being hired in August 2002 as a Civil Engineer in Roadway Design. In February 2003, she transferred to the Program Management Division where she continued to advance along the civil engineering career path. Adams promoted to Assistant Division Head of the Program Management Division in May 2021 and then to the position of Division Head in May 2023. She assumed her current position of Assistant Chief Engineer of Planning in January 2025.
Brooks holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Arkansas State University. He also has a master’s degree in public administration from Arkansas State University and a master’s degree in philosophy from Indiana University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer. Prior to joining the Department, Brooks worked as a Transportation Planner with the Jonesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization. He began his career with the Department in August 2015 as an Engineer in the Transportation Planning and Policy Division. Continuing along the engineering career path, Brooks promoted to Assistant Division Head in September 2023. He obtained his current position of Division Head of Planning and Research in July 2024.
Jessie Jones - Chief Engineer Over All Engineering Branches Jones has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Arkansas State University at Jonesboro and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She is a Registered Professional Engineer. Jones began her ARDOT career in January 2002 as a Civil Engineer in the Bridge Division. Upon completion of a master’s degree through the Transportation Research Assistantship Program at the University of Arkansas, Jones returned to the Bridge Division. She advanced along the engineering career path, promoting to Consultant Coordinator in October 2008. Jones promoted to Assistant Division Head of Transportation Planning and Policy in February 2011 and then to Division Head in October 2013. She transferred to the Program Management Division in March 2020, and assumed the position of Assistant Chief Engineer of Planning in April 2023. Jones promoted to her current position of Chief Engineer of Preconstruction in January 2025. 32 | AAPA 3rd Quarter 2026
Crystal Woods - Chief of Administration Woods has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in human resources from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She began her ARDOT career as a seasonal employee in the Personnel Section of the Human Resources Division in May 1990 and continued parttime status until completing college in 1993. Upon graduation, Woods was hired as a General Clerk in the Training and Safety Section. In January 1995, she became the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Administration and Public Affairs. In February 1996, Woods returned to Training and Safety to assume the role of Training Specialist. In March 2000, she promoted to Section Head of Training and Safety and, one month later, she obtained the position of Human Resources Officer. In April 2004, Woods became Division Head of Human Resources. She assumed her current position of Assistant Chief of Administration in April 2023.
ARDOT PERSONNEL CHANGES
ARDOT Personnel Changes, cont. Keli Wylie - Chief Engineer of Design Wylie has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Louisiana Tech University. She is a Registered Professional Engineer. Wylie began her career with the Department as a Civil Engineer in the Roadway Design Division in March 2002. She continued on the engineering career path advancing to Assistant Division Head of Roadway Design in October 2012. Wylie was appointed as the CAP Administrator in December 2012 and was named Alternative Project Delivery Administrator in December 2019. She obtained her current position of Assistant Chief Engineer of Program Delivery in April 2023.
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Fall BBQ Cook-Off November 5, 2026 Road Hog RV Park, Fayetteville Quality Conference January 7-8, 2027 Embassy Suites, Little Rock
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Annual Convention May 11-13, 2027 Oaklawn, Hot Springs
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Become an AAPA Member! Arkansas Asphalt News Quarterly Magazine
Keep up to date with the latest asphalt pavement industry news in Arkansas with the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association’s Quarterly digital Publication. Circulation for the AAPA quarterly magazine includes AAPA members, Arkansas Dept. of Transportation Officials, County Judges, City Officials, State Legislators, Consulting Engineers and other industry allies.
Interested in becoming an AAPA member? Go to www.arasphalt.com to view our member categories and fill out an application or contact the office at office@arasphalt.com.
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ROADS LEAD TO WEEKEND ESCAPES. Roads are literal and metaphorical connectors. They provide essential delivery of our daily needs – they also lead us to the things that matter most. As Americans, we depend on them for our safety and for our livelihoods. At Ergon, we are proud to work in communities across America helping build and maintain vital infrastructure that connects us all to what matters most.