At last, it is time to bring in the equipment and get the job started. The parcel is surveyed and staked and the "big guns" move in. First on the scene are the scrapers and earth movers. They do the rough cut to level the ground surface and "balance the job." On highway jobs, especially, if there are hills that have to be cut through to provide a straight-away, these are the giants which move those hills and fill in the gullies. When doing the rough cut, the scrapers "cut big/fill short" - they cut deeper than the finished roadbed will be and bring up the low places to just below grade level, so there will be room for the layers of road base and pavement. Then sheep's-foot rollers are used to compact the soil in the rough cut.

At this point, utilities can be put in. Utilities sub-contractors install pipelines, electrical, telephone, and gas lines, etc., depending on what type of project it is and what is required.

Next the sub-grade prep is done. The trucks start rolling from the pit bringing in roadbase materials. Motor Graders are used to start building up and forming the actual Roadway. Smooth-drum rollers compact this material into a firm base and it is tested for density.

Now the concrete work can be done. Culverts, storm drain inlets, curb and gutter, etc., are formed and poured. More roadbase is hauled in and the finish grading work is done and compacted to the required density. Fine grading is completed to bring the roadbed to a level just below the finished grade. Enough space is left for the layers of paving to go on top.

Through all of these operations, in a hot dry climate, the water trucks roll, laying down just the right amount of water on the working surface to maintain dust control but not leave a muddy surface.

Each one of these operations requires skilled workmen and equipment operators. They must have the right touch on the controls and the ability to visualize the finished work needed for a quality product.

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