Northeast Asphalt (NEA), a Walbec Group Company, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Sheldon G. Hayes Award, recognizing excellence in asphalt pavement construction.
The recognition comes for the company’s outstanding work on a 10.7-mile reconstruction of State Highway 60 in Dodge County, Wisconsin. The project showcased NEA’s commitment to both quality and sustainability, featuring innovative approaches to resource management and environmental stewardship.
KEY PROJECT DETAILS
- On-site repurposing of shoulder widening materials, which created gentler shoulder slopes while reducing transportation emissions
- Implementation of a portable asphalt plant near the construction site to minimize transportation emissions
- Use of warm mix asphalt technology throughout the project to reduce fuel consumption
The project team demonstrated exceptional coordination with local stakeholders, working closely with schools to maintain access during construction and collaborating with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department to ensure safety for both contractors and the traveling public.
“The asphalt pavement industry is committed to building quality pavements that deliver high performance and drivability to the public,” noted Brady Meldrem, NAPA 2024 Chairman.

LARRY H. LEMON RECOGNITION
NEA was also recognized with a Larry H. Lemon award for excellence in the construction of asphalt paving using less than 50,000 tons of asphalt for their work on STH 73 between Columbus and Princeton, WI. This award honors the top 10 highest-scoring projects submitted for a Quality in Construction Award in the General Paving category (less than 50,000 tons).
This innovative project showcased our commitment to sustainability by recycling all milled materials while maintaining seamless public access throughout construction. Our team expertly managed challenging conditions, including a 2,300-foot climbing lane, demonstrating our ability to deliver superior results while prioritizing safety and efficiency.
QUALITY IN CONSTRUCTION RECOGNITION
Payne + Dolan in Michigan received Quality in Construction recognition for three projects:
- US 2 Project (Gogebic County, MI): This project involved extensive road improvements, including milling, resurfacing, and guardrail installation. By utilizing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), it prioritized sustainability while delivering durable, high-quality results.
- M-48 Project (Chippewa County, MI): Our team upgraded nearly 8 miles of roadway with a 1.5-inch Superpave asphalt overlay. The project included shoulder improvements, guardrail adjustments, and safety enhancements. We’re proud to have created a smoother, safer driving experience while using sustainable practices.
- I-75 Project (Sault Ste. Marie, MI): Maintaining traffic flow on I-75 made this 5.3-mile overlay project a challenge. The scope included joint repairs, guardrail improvements, and new pavement markings. Our team successfully delivered a high-quality, durable surface using environmentally conscious methods.