Albuquerque Asphalt began setting a new standard in road construction with its work on New Mexico State Road 104.

The company is also leading the charge in sustainable, efficient paving practices.

"We're pavers. That's what we do," said Jacky Spencer, general superintendent of Albuquerque Asphalt. "We do what we say. We do good work."

Innovation On the Move

Albuquerque Asphalt has long been a leader in adopting new technologies. One of its most notable achievements is introducing foamed asphalt to New Mexico — a process that wasn't in use until the company collaborated with the department of transportation to write the state's specifications. Since then, foamed asphalt has become a regional staple.

Now, the company is taking innovation further with the use of the Wirtgen W 380 CRi, which enables full-depth reclamation (FDR). This process recycles existing road materials in place, eliminating the need for traditional grading crews and significantly reducing project timelines, according to the company.

"It probably saves 25 percent of the contract time," said Bob Wood, Albuquerque Asphalt's president and owner.

"We're thinking it's going to shave a month to a month-and-a-half off the project schedule," Spencer said.

The Wirtgen W 380 CRi integrates cement and foamed asphalt directly into the roadbed, creating a continuous feed into the paver. This not only speeds up the process but also reduces the number of trucks and crews needed onsite, according to Wirtgen.

"When you're shaving a couple of months off a job, that's hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings," said Collin James, branch manager of 4Rivers Equipment in Albuquerque.

The FDR process also improves road longevity. Unlike traditional mill-and-fill methods, which leave underlying cracks that eventually resurface, FDR pulverizes and rehabilitates up to 6 in. of the existing road, resulting in a more durable and longer-lasting surface.

First for Company, State

This project marks Albuquerque Asphalt's first venture into in-place recycling, and it's already proving successful. With a goal of completing 2 mi. per day, the team expected to finish the NM 104 project in just eight days — a task that would traditionally take over a month.

"This is something new that we've never had out here in New Mexico," Spencer said. "Nobody else is doing this."

Easy Button

A key factor in Albuquerque Asphalt's success is its strong relationship with 4Rivers Equipment.

"I call 4Rivers my easy button," Spencer said. "When I need something, they make it happen."

Whether it's sourcing a replacement mill in the middle of the night or ensuring equipment is ready on the lot, 4Rivers' responsiveness is critical to keeping projects on schedule.

"Nowadays, support is very, very critical," James said.

"Guys like Collin and Jon [Valerio] go above and beyond. If I don't talk to them five or six times a day, it's an off day," Spencer said.

Building Roads, Trust

Albuquerque Asphalt's commitment to innovation, efficiency and partnership is transforming how roads are built in New Mexico. The work on NM 104 is more than just a paving project: It's a model for the future of infrastructure.

And that bond between Albuquerque Asphalt and 4Rivers continues to strengthen.

"It's critical to our success to have a partner like 4Rivers," Spencer said. "They're 110 percent with us."