How to Repave Without Disrupting Operations

Businesses can’t afford to shut down when they need a parking lot or access road repaved. And some sites, like schools and hospitals, have no choice but to stay open. Consequently, big repaving jobs will need to happen without disrupting daily operations. That effort requires strong communication, planning, phasing, and a clear traffic control strategy.

Fortunately, even large-scale paving jobs can happen without causing problems. Read on to find a guide for pursuing repaving jobs without major hiccups. 

Make Sure Everyone Is on the Same Page

Don’t start a new repaving job until all key stakeholders understand the plan. That means you’ll want to round up your site management team and facilities staff. Reach out to any neighboring businesses or tenants that will be affected by the project. Similarly, security or police officers who usually patrol the area should be alerted to the project, as well. And, of course, the paving contractor should be looped into all critical conversations. 

Consider starting the project with a kickoff meeting where you go over the scope of the project and the assigned responsibilities. You don’t want there to be surprises regarding the schedule, either. Also, have clear communication milestones and an assigned point of contact to disseminate updates and other information as it unfolds. When your communication channels are simplified and clear, that reduces the potential for unpleasant surprises. It also reduces the likelihood of delays that cut into job satisfaction. You don’t want a project to drag on too long and detract from property values or business revenue. 

Break the Job into Sections

When you take on a big project, it’s wise to break it into different sections. This process is called phasing. And its main benefit is that it allows one area to stay open while another one is under construction. This helps small and commercial businesses stay open or apartments stay accessible. It also makes it easier to manage finances during a project.

As part of a phasing plan, determine which area closes first and the duration of the phase. You’ll need to map out traffic lanes to help cars and equipment navigate around closed areas. Plan on creating signage that clearly directs traffic and indicates temporary exits and entrances. You want to minimize the challenges for residents, customers, delivery drivers, or employees trying to reach the site. 

An experienced paving contractor like American Asphalt will be well-versed in handling phasing effectively to allow a job to go smoothly. They’ll help craft reasonable timelines, confirm traffic routes, and ensure adequate signage is present. Reputable contractors will also make sure emergency vehicles can access the site.

Focus on Traffic Control

The last thing you want is for there to be any confusion regarding traffic patterns when you’re doing a repaving job. That’s why it’s imperative to make traffic control a priority. Staying on the page keeps everyone, from construction workers to business employees and neighbors, safe and secure. 

Use highly visible cones and barriers to define work areas where pedestrians and non-work vehicles should not go. For repaving jobs on roads or in parking lots, use temporary striping to mark new lanes and help guide traffic. Flags and bright orange signage tend to be most effective when it comes to attracting attention. On days with deliveries or heavy equipment present, it’s smart to have flaggers present at busy entrances or intersections. 

Sites with especially heavy traffic may want to pause paving work at peak times to maintain a safer environment. Consider completing paving projects overnight for bustling retail centers or on weekends at office complexes or educational buildings. Similarly, summers and holidays are opportune times to repave lots connected to elementary, middle, or high schools. While you may need to pay a bit more for overtime labor in these scenarios, you’ll help keep businesses and schools running as usual. 

Account for Other Variables

When you’re planning a repaving job, be sure to account for other factors that will impact the situation. For instance, you’ll need to be ADA compliant. Plan on setting up temporary ramps, mats, and curb cuts to make accessing buildings or sidewalks possible. Create larger drop-off areas for paratransit vans, and use well-marked signage to point to detours and ADA-accessible additions. 

Don’t forget that the weather can interfere with your plans, too. When it comes to asphalt paving, you’ll need to be mindful of heat and extreme cold. Hot and cold temperatures can harm your materials, so you’ll want to budget extra time in case you hit a heat wave or cold snap. Work with your contractor to determine a system for tracking weather forecasts and enacting backup plans.

Find the Right Contractor for the Job

It’s worth the time to be selective when you’re looking for a contractor. You’ll want one that comes with experience and a proven track record of success. They should have insurance coverage and offer fair warranties to stand by their work. Further, they should offer maintenance plans following a paving job. It’s wise to interview a few contractors so you can ask them questions in person. Collect several bids, too, so you can compare prices. 

Ask w

hat their communication plan looks like. Do they send a kickoff notice to all stakeholders, and how will they provide updates? If you expect a daily update, it’s fair to request that of a contractor. And they should create a wrap-up notice to share at the project’s conclusion. 

After a job is complete, your contractor should go over the site with you. You’ll want to confirm that the surface of the pavement is smooth and appropriately marked with stripes or signage. Your contractor should provide a warranty and maintenance tips for all weather seasons. And they should provide their contract information in case you need repairs that are covered under the warranty. 

Pursuing a Repaving Project the Right Way

A repaving project can reinvigorate a business or apartment complex, and it can contribute to a safer property. At the same time, a repaving project has the potential to disrupt business if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s so important to develop a plan that keeps everyone safe and informed during the process.

Work with a reputable paving contractor and keep the lines of communication open. Make clear planning and safety your top priority. With these proactive efforts, you’ll be on your way to a successful project.