The public right-of-way is an area of land owned or controlled by the city to construct, operate, and maintain public facilities such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, and bike paths for transportation, utilities, and other public infrastructure.
Working mainly throughout Northern Colorado, we are licensed in most municipalities. This means we can do right-of-way work in most Cities, especially Denver! Following each city’s guidelines and standard plans, we work with City Inspectors to ensure all our work is installed up to code and correctly. We meet ADA compliance standards and are experienced in drive cuts, cross pans, and many other concrete flatwork services.
- Pull The Permit
- Handle Traffic Control
- Obtain Testing Services
- Work with Inspectors
- Call Locates
- Schedule Accordingly
- Warranty our Work
- Clean Up Correctly
Before Construction Begins:
Most municipalities have their own set standards and specifications, alongside individual ways to pull permits, this information does not apply to one City in particular or all Cities for reference.
All construction and repair work is planned within the City’s Right-of-Way. First, we determine the scope of work. Once approved, we will begin by pulling the appropriate permit. In the meantime, nearby underground utilities are located through 811 and sometimes require private locations. Some municipalities have their own Approved Product Lists, which have pre-approved material that can be used. In our scope of work for concrete, some cities have concrete mix designs that they approved from certain suppliers; we then notify the inspector what mix design we plan to use at what supplier for confirmation. If required we do as well submit mix designs for approval that can vary on the customer’s needs. The City Project Manager then may come by to look at the site. Landscaping on the corners and any potential resident landscape conflicts are noted. The contractor obtains permits for Street Occupancy, Street Closure and Barricade plans.
Us being the concrete contractor, we specialize in ADA ramps and concrete flatwork to perform the work under the supervision of the City Project Manager. In advance of construction, no parking signs will be placed 24-48 hours in advance and saw cutters may put superficial cuttings in the asphalt to separate the areas of asphalt and concrete to be excavated. It is safe to park and drive on this part of the road after the cuts are made. This part of the process may occur days or weeks in advance of any construction and should not cause any disruption to daily resident activity.
At this point, weather permitting, construction is ready to begin.
Actual Construction Begins:
If saw cutters have not already been to the site, they will arrive to prepare the site for concrete and asphalt removal. Typically the asphalt removed extends about 24 inches out from the street gutter. The asphalt is excavated along with the existing curb, gutter and immediate sidewalk area to make room for the new ramp. Usually for curb/gutter repair only, the concrete curb/gutter will be removed.
“No Parking” signs will indicate that it is not possible to park in the immediate area during construction. Cars are often able to drive down the street with guidance from the construction crew.
Once excavation is completed and materials have been hauled away, wooden or steel “forms” are installed to help shape the concrete as it is being poured. For ramps, the soil is graded to the appropriate slope for the ramp and for proper drainage of stormwater. In some instances an over excavation will be required and removing existing soil to replace with the approved aggregate base will need to be done. The concrete can then be poured.
- In most scenarios the concrete forms will be inspected prior to pour for approval by that City’s Inspector assigned to this permit number.
- Testing from a 3rd party will be scheduled and confirms the concrete being poured is what was submitted to the city. Onsite they will review the concrete ticket for this info and take an air and slump test.
- Depending on the weather, curing can take approximately 1 to 3 days. During colder temperatures, construction blankets may be placed over the concrete to speed up the curing process.
After Concrete Construction is Complete
Once the concrete cures, the forms are removed. The excavated area is backfilled and asphalt is patched along the new curb. Once “no parking” signs are removed, the ramp or new curb/gutter is completed to the point where it is safe for residents to use the area, drive their cars freely and park on the street. The permit will be closed out upon approval that all work is completed correctly.
Who Can Do Right-of-Way Work?
Contractor’s apply to become licensed in each municipality to work. Most instances a contractor that has a license for their respected line of work can pull a permit to perform ROW work for General Contractors, Commercial Entities, and Residential Customers.
