Central Paving took on the challenge of repaving a continuously operating railway that couldn’t afford any downtime. Finding a way to complete the project efficiently while keeping the railway fully functional proved to be a significant hurdle for the team.
Paving a Path Through Challenges: How One Team Took on an Unconventional Railway Project
When it comes to asphalt and paving, most companies can handle straightforward projects like driveways or parking lots. While each job presents its own difficulties, they pale in comparison to the ambitious undertaking that one paving company recently accepted.
The company took on the challenge of repaving a railway that operates 24/7 and couldn’t afford a single shutdown. The need to balance productivity while keeping rail operations uninterrupted was no small feat. Despite the logistical complexities, the team embraced the challenge head-on.
From Humble Beginnings to Major Milestones
Founded in 2009 by the Greear family, the company started as a small asphalt maintenance business specializing in crack sealing, seal coating, and restriping. What began as a modest operation run by two brothers and their father quickly gained momentum, evolving into a full-fledged paving business.
Billy Harrell, an account manager at the company, recalled how its rapid growth led to expanding services beyond basic maintenance to full-scale paving projects.
After his family’s hay farm was sold, Harrell found himself searching for a new career path. A chance connection led him to the paving company, where he was invited to a meeting that turned into an unexpected job offer. Though he had no prior asphalt experience, he stepped into the role of estimator and project manager, helping to propel the company forward.
Now, the company handles everything from crack sealing and milling to overlays and large-scale paving projects—making a name for itself in the industry.
Navigating a Unique Challenge
Harrell has a knack for bidding on unconventional projects, often requiring creative logistical planning. This particular job, awarded by Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), was no exception. The team was tasked with repaving the area around a railway inside a pulp mill—an environment filled with challenges.
The pulp mill’s conditions were extreme. “It’s like mud, but it’s actually decomposed paper pulp. The smell is awful, and it’s about four to six inches deep,” Harrell described. The mill’s intermodal section required continuous rail traffic, making accessibility and scheduling even more complicated.
Problem-Solving on the Job
The team quickly realized that this would be far from a standard paving job. The site presented a number of constraints, including a confined space, limited access, and the requirement to keep mill operations running without interruption.
Harrell and his crew held multiple planning meetings to devise the best approach. Initially, some team members questioned whether the job was worth the effort, but as they tackled the challenges one by one, enthusiasm grew.
“There was this moment where we all looked at each other and thought, ‘This is going to be tough—but we’re going to figure it out,’” Harrell recalled.
Adapting to Unforeseen Roadblocks
The crew encountered difficulties from the outset. They had to work around a rail crew that had recently replaced the tracks and laid fresh ballast. The tight clearances made maneuvering paving equipment difficult, and their initial approach quickly proved unworkable.
Each setback required creative problem-solving. The team continually adapted, refining their methods to accommodate the unpredictable nature of the project.
“Every time we ran into an obstacle, our crew came up with a better solution,” Harrell said.
Through teamwork, resilience, and innovation, they completed the project with remarkable precision. Their dedication and adaptability earned them the 2025 Paving: Non-Parking Lot Award—a testament to their craftsmanship and determination.
The Power of a Committed Team
Reflecting on the experience, Harrell emphasized how much the crew’s hard work and willingness to tackle difficult projects meant to the company’s success.
“Our team is incredible. They never back down from a challenge, no matter how tough it looks,” he said.
The railway project serves as a shining example of what’s possible when skilled professionals push the limits of their industry, proving that with the right mindset, even the most daunting paving jobs can be conquered.
