Columbia, KY-based paving contractor Gaddie-Shamrock LLC recently rehabilitated a 9.53-mile segment of the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway — a four-lane, east-west corridor across the southern tier of Kentucky counties. The contractor, working under a $6.7-million contract with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, placed approximately 70,000 tons of asphalt on the parkway, between the Russell Springs exit in Russell County and the Pulaski County line.

Gaddie-Shamrock first milled the existing pavement. "Then, we put 2 inches of binder back in using a 64-22 binder," says Doug Beard, co-owner of Gaddie-Shamrock. "The top surface (a 76-22 mix) has 1-1/2 inches compacted."

The contractor used a variety of equipment to place asphalt on the mainline and shoulders, and the work proceeded quickly thanks to the efforts of a veteran paving team and good weather.

"The project went well and we didn't have any surprises," says Beard. "Asphalt provides a smooth ride, and that's why it is a great product."

Click here to see pictures of this project.