FORT BRAGG, N.C. –Construction is underway on the All American Freeway on Fort Bragg with crews working to remove the top layer of asphalt in a process called milling.
“Roadway milling involves grinding up the asphalt and removing it from the roadbed,” said Jeff Williamson, the Fort Bragg Director of Public Works.
Crews are working on the first stretch of All American this week, cutting a layer about 12 inches deep as they move south toward All American Gate. A machine called a planer cuts away the material and a conveyor belt moves it to a waiting dump truck. The material is called RAP or reclaimed asphalt pavement.
The repair of All American Freeway is being done through Fort Bragg’s partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation under an Inter-Governmental Service Agreement or IGSA. In June, NCDOT awarded the contract to Highland Paving of Fayetteville, which is outsourcing some work to ensure the work is done quickly and efficiently, said Williamson.
For the milling, Delta Contracting, Inc. is providing the planer and Highland Paving dump trucks carry off the RAP to their facility in Fayetteville where it will be recycled and used to create new asphalt for a future site.
Also during this first stage of construction, Highland Paving is clearing off areas alongside the All American Freeway so that the shoulder can be expanded later in the repair process.
“Through the IGSA with NCDOT we’ve been able to get road repairs done faster and cheaper,” Williamson said. “Last year we were able to make progress on other areas of the installation with smaller projects, so we’re excited that this much-needed repair of All American Freeway has begun.”
Fort Bragg Garrison Commander Col. Luke Wittmer acknowledged the concerns that the entire project, which includes replacement of the Gruber Road bridge, is expected to take up to 24 months. “It does seem like a long timeline, and we don't take that lightly.”
When open for travel, about 15,000 commuters use the All American Freeway daily. During construction those vehicles must use other roads and access points on the installation.
“The All American Gate and roadway is a critical thoroughfare for commuters that transits across the heart of Fort Bragg,” Wittmer said. “It is work that has to be done right. Our priority is ensuring the safety and reliability of this vital route for the thousands of Soldiers, families, and civilians who depend on it every day.”