An award-winning partnership: I-17 pavement rehabilitation

In collaboration with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) was awarded the 2023 Arizona Transportation Partnering Excellence Award for the I-17 Pavement Rehabilitation project in Maricopa County.  

The Arizona Transportation Partnering Excellence Award has recognized exceptional teamwork in the industry since 1993, assessing partnerships based on issue resolution, decision-making, action plans, reporting and evaluation methods. This award is a milestone achievement for ESS, and we could not be more proud of our employee-owners. 

Interstate 17 has served as the spine of the city of Phoenix since 1978 – transporting more than 1.6 million residents and 2.3 million registered vehicles from the north to the south end of the capital. After decades of heavy traffic deteriorating sections of the rubber asphalt surface, ESS stepped up as the prime contractor to perform all diamond grinding, joint sealing, bridge joint rehabilitation, concrete repairs and asphalt milling and overlay. 

Weekly meetings hosted by ESS, ADOT, the City of Phoenix and local subcontractors allowed our teams to work in tandem when developing key project goals, weekly and hourly schedules, resolving internal challenges and communicating expectations to crew members. These conversations encouraged transparency by providing an equal opportunity to voice concerns and gain clarity over resounding issues. 

The partnership between ESS and ADOT grew stronger as we worked together to solve project challenges like traffic control and active contractors in the area. Through mutual trust, respect and steadfast teamwork, this partnership added immense value for the traveling public of Phoenix and key stakeholders across the state.