Allan Myers tops rankings
Allan Myers was named as the #1 Transportation Contractor in the Mid-Atlantic region by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine.
The company earned the #7 overall ranking on the list of Mid-Atlantic Top Contractors. Allan Myers was also named #98 in the Top 400 Contractors in the U.S. in 2024.
ENR ranks top contractors annually in a variety of sectors. Allan Myers placed in the top 10 on a number of those lists, recognizing the diversity in the work provided and the vertically integrated nature of the business.
Allan Myers was named #3 in Water Supply work, and #5 in Public Sector work.
Relieving congestion on I-64
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is widening parts of I-64 from four lanes to six lanes and adding 46 miles of express lanes through the Hampton Roads region. These plans have ensured consistent work for Allan Myers, both now and in the future.
VDOT’s end goal is to alleviate congestion and streamline traffic flow on this heavily traveled highway from Richmond through the Hampton Roads to the Norfolk/Chesapeake area.
“We’re not just building roads; we’re paving the way for a brighter, more connected future in the area,” said Senior Project Manager Domenic Marino.
New Gap C project underway
Allan Myers’ latest project to kick off in the region is the I-64 Gap Segment C Widening Project. This $173 million design-build job got under way in spring 2024 as a joint venture with Wagman Heavy Civil.
This is one of three remaining projects that VDOT is referring to as “gap” projects, that will complete the widening of I-64 between Richmond and Hampton. Congestion is notorious as traffic squeezes in both directions from three lanes to two.
Virginia has invested nearly $600 million to improve the Richmond-to-Hampton Roads corridor. Allan Myers widened a previous segment of I-64 through Williamsburg in 2019.
Gap C work will add one 12-foot general purpose lane in each direction for nine miles of I-64. The widening is taking place in the median, within the existing right-of-way.
The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2027.
Water group expands into Capital Beltway
The Allan Myers water group expanded into the Capital Beltway region in 2024 by establishing an on-call agreement with DC Water. DC Water distributes drinking water and treats wastewater for more than 700,000 residents and 21.3 million annual visitors to the District of Columbia.
This relationship could bring potential work totals to $150-$180 million, with individual jobs ranging from $30-$60 million.
“We are hoping to build up our own water group here by establishing a long-term relationship with DC Water similar to what we have with AQUA and PAW,” said Project Manager Vincent Kong. “We have the right people and resources in the area to respond to any tasks.”
Since expanding, the current water crew has been busy completing two projects. The completed jobs include miscellaneous facility and reservoir upgrades at Old Soldiers Home Golf Course and Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant.
DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant is the largest plant of its kind and treats close to 384 million gallons of wastewater a day with the ability to treat more than 1 billion gallons at peak flow.
Inland Port Completed Early
Allan Myers crews completed the $15 million Virginia Inland Port (VIP) expansion project, in Front Royal, VA, three months early in July 2024.
The expansion project had a substantial completion date of October 2024.
“Our goal was to shorten the overall schedule,” Project Manager Lexi Wikstrom said. “Working closely with the Port, we had opportunities to start different phases earlier than expected, and our team pulled together to get it done.”
The project expanded the capacity of VIP with three additional tracks. As these tracks were constructed, the five existing tracks needed to continue running.
Now there are eight tracks running simultaneously allowing for a greater volume of containers to come by train to VIP. Containers are the placed on trucks for further distribution. The VIP is connected by rail to the Norfolk and Portsmouth, VA terminals.
Asphalt and paving reshaped for success
Asphalt and paving represent a substantial portion of the services offered by Allan Myers. In 2024, these two areas of the business combined to further our work in safety, productivity, quality, profit, and sustainability.
The creation of a new Asphalt Plants and Paving (AP&P) group within Materials now encompasses the 13 asphalt plants and paving operations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. This new structure supports the continued upward trajectory in sales and production, while maximizing the efficiency.
Allan Myers currently operates 22 asphalt plants across the Mid-Atlantic, producing more than 4 million tons annually. More than half of the product is laid down by our own paving crews.
Previously, asphalt and paving were in separate operational groups: asphalt run by the Materials Team and paving run by the Construction Teams. The merging of these groups now provides even better service for the customers.
“Our team is incredibly customer focused. Everything we do, from innovation to expansion, has our customers top of mind. And we’re getting even better every day,” said President of Materials Mark Carroll.
The reorganization started in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware with the goal of bringing the remaining nine asphalt plants and paving teams in Virginia into a similar structure by the end of 2026.
Elevating Mental Wellness from the Ground Up
In 2024, Allan Myers launched a new mental wellness initiative called the Ground Crew. The Ground Crew is a dedicated group of employee volunteers aiming to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes mental well-being. This committee includes coworkers from throughout the footprint and in a variety of different roles from leadership, human resources, safety, training, and field operations.
The committee is raising awareness about mental wellness and creating an environment where employees and their families feel supported, all working together to promote a healthier, happier, and more informed workplace. Their mission is to educate all employees about mental health resources and support options available.
The Ground Crew volunteers have “lived expertise” in mental health. This could mean they have either lived with a mental health condition, experienced trauma, have lost loved ones or coworkers to mental health, have been supporters of others who have gone through difficult times, or are passionate about mental health.
Read more about how Allan Myers is prioritizing mental health for employees in the latest Footprints magazine.
Leadership group gives back
DEL 11 wraps up and fosters lasting community ties
The Allan Myers Developing Emerging Leaders (DEL) program provides early career employees leadership opportunities on job sites, in the office, and giving back to local nonprofit organizations.
The most recent class of graduates, DEL 11, wrapped up in October 2024. This group of 26 leaders are spread throughout the company footprint and came together to volunteer their time with organizations that Allan Myers partners with through the Helping Hand Up initiative.
Throughout the 6-month program, teams are tasked with coordinating, managing, and leading volunteer projects.
“Being involved in the projects through DEL would often recenter the overall message of community and networking,” said Project Engineer Jaylan Parker. “These events would allow us to connect with one another while pouring back into the families and people in our footprint.”
Since May 2024, groups have dedicated their time to Habitat for Humanity builds, clearing and cleaning property for Worthwhile Wear, and numerous projects at equine therapy programs in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. In total, there were eight projects completed by DEL members and other employees volunteering their time.
“The DEL members are instrumental in taking their projects out into the communities where we live and work,” said Bruce Wilkinson, Director of Learning and Development. “A lot of the work happens because the DEL groups get involved.”
The next DEL program began in November 2024 with a new group of employees who applied and were accepted into the program. This new group are tasked with keeping these Helping Hand Up relationships strong and meaningful through new service projects and volunteering efforts throughout their program.
DEL 11 contributed to the following organizations:
- Habitat for Humanity Build and ReStore
- Worthwhile Wear
- Lift Me Up Riding Academy
- Sebastian Riding Associates, PA
- Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, MD
Allan Myers is looking for professionals to join our team. Take a look at what some of our paving team has to say about their outstanding careers. #WhatWillYouBuild