Milestone Contractors

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Veteran’s Support: HC+M and The Healing Fields

Posted on by Joe Ball

How the Heritage Construction + Materials portfolio of companies helped strengthen a veteran’s organization in Howard County, Indiana.

Every September, thousands of veterans from across the country gather in Howard County, Indiana, for a reunion unlike any other. Since 1987, the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization (HCVVO) has hosted its annual event on 39 acres known as ‘The Healing Fields’ — a peaceful space built by veterans, for veterans.

What began as a small local gathering has become the nation’s longest-running annual reunion for service members. ‘The Healing Fields’ are more than a campground — they’re a sanctuary where veterans from every branch and era can reconnect, reflect and heal together.

Over time, the roads winding through the property began to wear down. Dust, rain and erosion made travel difficult, especially for those with mobility or respiratory challenges. When members of the HCVVO reached out for help, the companies of Heritage Construction + Materials (HC+M) — Asphalt Materials, Inc., Milestone Contractors, and US Aggregates® — didn’t hesitate to step in.

Milestone began by donating reclaimed millings from a nearby project to stabilize the roads. Asphalt Materials followed with chip- and fog-sealing expertise, improving accessibility across more than 15,000 square yards of roadway. US Aggregates supported the effort by providing the essential materials needed to make those improvements last.

Working alongside the Howard County Highway Department, these teams transformed the grounds into a smoother, safer space for veterans and their families.

For everyone involved, this was more than a construction project — it was a way to give back to those who’ve given so much.

This Veterans Day, we’re honored to stand beside the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization and all who serve. Because healing doesn’t happen all at once — it’s built, one act of service at a time.

HAHDhAHSDHAHS

Reaching New Heights At Indianapolis Airport

Posted on by Joe Ball

Milestone sets a standard for sustainable practices in construction, leaving an enduring mark on the construction industry.

Milestone Contractors achieved a remarkable feat last spring by undertaking the colossal task of removing, recycling and reconstructing the southern runway at Indianapolis International Airport. This ambitious project, aimed at creating a runway to serve the airport’s needs for the next 40-to-50 years, was executed with dedicated precision, resulting in a runway that spans an impressive 150 feet in width, comprising four 37.5-foot-wide pulls, each a substantial 22 inches thick.

“Most concrete paving contractors in the United States are not capable of going 37.5 feet wide,” noted Steve Friess, Vice President of Concrete Operations for Milestone Contractors. “When you get to that wide and 22 inches deep, it takes a special crew that understands the nuances of stacking concrete that deep.”

Beyond the physical challenges of a project on this scale, airport runway construction is heavily regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Safety concerns are paramount, and contractors can expect to have their work closely inspected every step of the way.

“[With] airport projects, the FAA has a lot of requirements, and they are very stringent about a lot of things because they need to be,” said Steve. “So, if you’re gonna pave at an airport, you have to be ready to do it a hundred percent because the requirements are the same across all the United States.”

Within the nearly 700-page blueprint that guided construction were additional specifications on the FAA’s sustainability requirements. Far from presenting a hurdle, Milestone Contractors embraced the requirements as an opportunity to be stewards of the planet for the next generation, employing environmentally conscious practices such as using four million gallons of recycled water for dust control and on-site concrete plant operations.

“We recycled 135,000 tons of concrete and 65,000 tons of asphalt that came off the shoulders of the runway and then went back,” said Steve.

A highlight of Milestone’s commitment to sustainable practices was the innovative use of carbon encapsulation injection into the wet cement. This forward-thinking approach aimed to encapsulate carbon and eliminate its presence from the atmosphere, highlighting the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly construction methods.

That commitment paid off. Consider the airport’s prestigious accolades: Indianapolis International Airport, already recognized as the best North American airport in its class for eleven consecutive years, added another feather to its cap (stripe to its pilot uniform?) by earning the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) Envision Platinum Award. Milestone Contractors played a pivotal role in achieving this recognition, showcasing a commitment to sustainable infrastructure practices that goes beyond the ordinary.

The reconstruction of runway 5L23 at the Indianapolis airport stands as a testament to Milestone’s unyielding dedication to sustainable construction. This project not only signifies the successful completion of a major undertaking but also represents a defining chapter for the entire Milestone team. The company’s reputation for delivering quality work on time and within budget is well-established, but this project allowed their values, expertise and commitment to sustainability to shine brightly.

“Milestone is a very unique company. Whether it’s concrete, asphalt, general construction pipe or whatever, it’s all done as a team,” boasted Steve. “We were able to answer the call because we have all the parts of the team to put together.”

About Milestone Contractors, L.P.
Milestone Contractors is a privately held, family-owned business headquartered in Indianapolis. Milestone Contractors is a fully integrated heavy construction company specializing in highway, bridge, asphalt and concrete paving and site development. Over its 30-year history, Milestone has built a reputation for prioritizing safety, quality, people and innovation. Milestone Contractors is a part of The Heritage Group’s family of companies. Learn more at www.milestonelp.com.