Hoffman was awarded the 2007 Excellence in Grading Award for the Dyckesville project of Highway 57 in Door County. Frank Laufenberg was HCC's project supervisor with Dan Segerstrom of WisDOT the project manager and Barry Paye and Eric Gwidt of WisDOT the project leaders.

This $5.7 million, 5 and a half mile project is part of the 4-lane expansion from Green Bay to Sturgeon Bay.  The new road was built next to the existing facility for 4 miles and off alignment for 1.5 miles using approximately 230,000 CY of common excavation and 179,000 CY of rock cut.

This project required a very ambitious schedule. It started in early January and work continued throughout the winter months on the 5 box culverts and two slab span bridges to complete as much work as possible before the DNR's in stream disturbance restriction.  The grading crews worked long hard hours to maintain the aggressive schedule. This intense effort required HCC to maintain a high level of supervision on the project at all times. HCC's ability to coordinate all the crews and subcontractors and keep the project on track was a special feat. Ultimately, HCC completed the grading 8 weeks ahead of schedule.

Also challenging on this project was the archeological and environmental protection due to the topography, geology, aggressive schedule, and potential impacts to water resources. HCC and project staff worked very well with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to provide both preventative and remedial erosion control measures in a timely manner. Throughout the duration of the project, both parties were very mindful of erosion control needs.  The DNR commended HCC and department staff on their efforts and cooperation.

The contract required pilot specification utilizing GPS on both rough and finish grading - this, according to the project leader, increased both the productivity and the quality of the work produced. HCC estimates that the use of GPS allowed them to finish the slopes faster than had they used traditional staking and equipment operations. The GPS controlled equipment provided accurate grade lines with a uniform appearance.

Overall, the finished product is an excellent stretch of roadway. The final slopes and grade are outstanding. The special effort expended to complete the project prior to the completion date with such high quality is a tribute to both HCC and the project staff.

Pictured (L to R): Don Miller (WisDOT Chief Construction Engineer), Jim Hoffman (HCC President), Frank Laufenberg (HCC Project Supervisor), Barry Paye (WisDOT Project Leader), and Ruben Anthony (WisDOT Deputy Secretary of Transportation)

Pictured (L to R): Ken Bork (Scraper Foreman), Todd Hoehn (Area Project   Manager), Frank Laufenberg, and Sean Windsor (Scraper Foreman)