Con Dig (13-May-26) Granite Construction has secured a $15 million pavement preservation contract from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for upgrades along a section of the Glenn Highway, one of Alaska’s key transportation corridors.

The federally funded project covers improvements between mileposts 66.5 and 92 on the Glenn Highway, a 179-mile route connecting Anchorage and Glennallen that also serves as a designated National Scenic Byway.

Granite’s work will focus on resurfacing approximately nine miles of highway between mileposts 83 and 92. The project scope also includes replacing culverts, guardrails, striping, and roadway signage.

The contract was included in the company’s first-quarter 2026 committed and awarded projects (CAP) backlog.

Backlog boost for Alaska operations

Granite said the award provides important backlog support for its Palmer Facility, which will supply approximately 27,000 tons of hot mix asphalt for the project. The company’s Lucas Quarry is also expected to provide roughly 2,300 tons of riprap material.

“This contract is a great win for the Alaska team and provides key backlog for our Palmer Facility,” Granite Regional Vice President Ryan Moren said in a statement. “We are excited to partner with Alaska DOT&PF and execute on this important infrastructure upgrade to keep Alaskans and visitors moving.”

Construction is expected to begin in May 2026 and conclude by July 2027.

Infrastructure funding continues to support highway work

The award reflects continued momentum in federally funded transportation infrastructure projects, particularly in states with aging road networks and challenging weather conditions.

In Alaska, pavement preservation projects are especially critical due to freeze-thaw cycles, remote logistics, and heavy seasonal wear that can accelerate roadway deterioration.

For contractors such as Granite, highway rehabilitation and preservation work continues to provide a stable source of public-sector demand at a time when some private construction segments are showing signs of slowing.

The project also highlights the growing importance of materials integration within the infrastructure sector, with contractors increasingly leveraging in-house aggregates, asphalt, and quarry operations to manage costs and improve supply chain reliability.