Commercial Concrete Construction & Paving in Michigan

Ajax Paving has poured concrete across Michigan for more than 72 years, building the roadways, runways, and racetracks the state depends on every day. As a commercial concrete contractor working with MDOT, airports, municipalities, and private developers statewide, we handle the heavy-load, high-spec work that most local concrete companies in Michigan are not equipped to take on. Search for a concrete company near you in Michigan and you will find plenty of options for driveways and sidewalks; search for a partner who can pour a runway, a nine-mile freeway, or a NASCAR track, and the list gets much shorter.

Our in-house batch plants, engineering staff, and paving crews give us full control over every stage of concrete construction, from mix design through final inspection. That self-performed model is what separates Ajax from a typical concrete construction contractor: we are not coordinating subcontractors and hoping the schedule holds; we are running the plants, the crews, and the quality checks ourselves.

What Concrete Construction Services in Michigan Include

Commercial concrete construction covers a wider range of work than most property owners expect, and the right scope depends on the load, the traffic, and the timeline a project has to meet. Ajax provides:

  • Highway and roadway paving: Full-depth PCC paving, cement-treated base, and reconstruction for state highways, county roads, and interchanges, built to MDOT specifications.
  • Airport runways and taxiways: Runway, taxiway, and shoulder paving engineered to FAA load requirements, completed on the tight closure windows airports require.
  • Racetrack and test track surfaces: High-tolerance paving for motorsports and automotive proving grounds, where surface consistency affects vehicle performance and safety. 
  • Bridge decks and structures: Concrete placement for new bridges and structural rehabilitation, coordinated with the larger roadway or interchange project around it.
  • Municipal and site concrete. Curb, gutter, sidewalk, drive approaches, and drainage work that support larger road and facility projects.

Each of these calls for a different mix design, placement method, and finishing schedule, which is why Ajax keeps eight central mix batch plants that can be mobilized and calibrated to a project's specific requirements rather than running one standard mix for every job.

Our Completed Commercial Concrete Projects in Michigan

The gallery below reflects the range of concrete construction Ajax has completed for MDOT, airports, and private clients throughout Michigan, spanning multi-mile freeway reconstructions, airport runway rebuilds, and NASCAR-grade track surfaces. Several of these projects have earned recognition from the Michigan Concrete Association and the American Concrete Pavement Association for excellence in paving.


  • SR-80 Mercer County – PennDOT

    Project Highlights:

    • 180,000 SYDs of 13” PCC
    • 69,000 CYDs of PCC Placed
    • First Concrete Paving Project in Pennsylvania District 1 in over 25 Years

  • Marshall Progressive Design-Build – MDOT

    Project Highlights:

    • 78,500 SYDs of 8-12” PCC
    • 25,000 CYDs of PCC Placed
    • Large centerpiece for implementation of Blue Oval Battery Plant

  • Alpena Airport RW 1-19 Phase 2

    Project Highlights:

    • 34,000 SYDs of 6” Cement Treated Permeable Base
    • 34,000 SYDs of 16” Runway/Taxiway PCC
    • 3,000 SYDs of 8” Shoulder PCC
    • 17,000 CYDs of PCC & 7,000 CYDs of Cement Treated Permeable Base
    • Major Expansion for Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center with addition of 2,000 linear feet of runway pavement
    • 2024 - Recognized by Michigan Concrete Association for Excellence in Paving Airports- Small Category

  • I-696, Lahser to I-275 – MDOT

    Project Highlights:

    • 810,000 SYDs of 6” Cement Treated Base
    • 702,183 SYDs of 8-11” PCC
    • 256,000 CYDs of PCC & 166,000 CTB Placed
    • 9 Mile Project each bound with 4 different batch plant locations
    • ACPA National Award for Excellence Gold Winner

  • FedEx Expansion at DTW

     

     

    Project Highlights:

    • 21,000 SYDs of 14” PCC
    • 108,000 SYDs of 21” PCC
    • 77,000 CYDs of PCC Placed
    • Dual lane paving at 40’ Wide by 21”
    • Cargo Ramp for 300,000 SFT cargo facility building

  • I-96 Flex Route – MDOT

    Project Highlights:

    • 954,793 SYDs of 8-12” PCC
    • 335,000 CYDs of PCC Placed
    • 12 Miles of Reconstructed Pavement
    • ACPA National Award for Excellence Gold Winner

  • Mound Rd Reconstruction, M-59 to I-696

     

     

    Project Highlights:

    • 608,000 SYDs of 11” PCC
    • 200,000 CYDs of PCC Placed
    • 9 Miles each bound
    • Maintained 24 hour access to the public
    • Ajax set-up and operated 4 portable batch plants
    • ACPA National Award for Excellence Gold Winner

  • I-275 Reconstruction, County Line to 6 Mile Road - MDOT

    Project Highlights:

    • 1,175,000 SYDs of 6” Cement Treated Base
    • 1,090,000 SYDs of 10-12” PCC
    • 381,000 CYDs of PCC & 210,000 CYDs of CTB Placed
    • Over 13 Miles of Concrete Reconstruction
    • 6 Major Interchanges

  • I-94 Jackson Design-Build – MDOT

     

     

    Project Highlights:

    • 259,813 SYDs of 8-12.5” PCC
    • 93,983 CYDs of PCC Placed
    • Rebuilt the I-94/US-127/West Avenue interchange to be a diverging diamond interchange.

  • I-75 Reconstruction, Michigan State Line to North of Erie Road – MDOT

    Project Highlights:

    • 466,000 SYDs of 6” Cement Treated Base
    • 405,000 SYDs of 8-12” PCC
    • 140,000 CYDs of PCC & 84,000 CYDs of CTB Placed

  • DTW RW 3L/21R Reconstruction

    Project Highlights:

    • 421,000 SYDs of PCCP

  • Michigan I-75 Modernization Project (Segment 3) Design Build Finance Maintain (DBFM)

    I-75 from north of M-102 (8 Mile Road) to north of 13 Mile Road in the Cities of Hazel Park, Royal Oak, and Madison Heights located in Oakland County

    Segment 3 consists of complete pavement reconstruction, modernization of the freeway, ITS upgrades, and replacement of 28 bridges (22 vehicle overpasses and ramps and 6 pedestrian structures). Additionally, the project will construct a 14-foot diameter drainage tunnel from 8 Mile Road to 12 Mile Road to separate and meter freeway water from the local storm water system to mitigate future flooding concerns.

    This $1.4 Billion DBFM project allowed for private financing and the flexibility to fund the project with availability payments spread out over 30 years, enabling MDOT to invest in other projects. This procurement model also requires the concessionaire to maintain the I-75 Segment 3 corridor for 25 years after construction completion, ensuring reliable asset condition.

  • SR-80 Mercer County – PennDOT

    What We Did

    Project Highlights:

    • 180,000 SYDs of 13” PCC
    • 9,000 CYDs of PCC Placed
    • First Concrete Paving Project in Pennsylvania District 1 in over 25 Years

  • Marshall Progressive Design-Build – MDOT

    What We Did

     

    Project Highlights:

    • 78,500 SYDs of 8-12” PCC
    • 25,000 CYDs of PCC Placed
    • Large centerpiece for implementation of Blue Oval Battery Plant

  • I-75 Modernization

    What We Did

    This reconstruction and expansion project reconstructed I-75 from Coolidge Hwy. to South Boulevard in Oakland County.

    Ajax Paving reconstructed a vital segment of a major commuter highway in Oakland County, I-75 from Coolidge Hwy. to South Boulevard. We reconstructed existing travel lanes and added a fourth lane for a future HOV lane. A new design eliminated left-lane ramps, thereby increasing acceleration and deceleration ramp lengths at Adams Road. Adding eight new bridges, expanding the Intelligent Transportation System and reconstructing the Park-n-Ride at Adams Road were also part of the project.

    We produced over 106,000 cubic yards of concrete to pave over 347,700 sq. yards of 10-inch non-reinforced concrete. The project was completed in 108 calendar days, 20 days under the bid requirements. It also won the 2017 Michigan Concrete Association Award.

    Project Highlights:

    • Reconstructed and expanded I-75 from Coolidge Hwy. to South Boulevard
    • 106,000 cubic yards of concrete
    • 2017 Michigan Concrete Association Award

  • I-96

    What We Did

    Only a company like Ajax could take on a challenge like this. Closing and constructing a 7-mile stretch of I-96 in both directions, an essential link traveled by 140,000 drivers every day. The project also required rebuilding 37 bridges, 22 ramps, and 60 business accesses as well as installing new drainage sewers, 15- to 25-foot retaining walls, and a light-emitting diode freeway lighting system.

    Bidding was in an A+B Contracting Format that factored not only the cost but also the time required for completion. E-construction, a paperless management process, contributed to our efficiency. Automated GPS control for the concrete equipment and automated machining for grading operations also increased productivity.

    The I-96 project became the largest single-season construction contract in MDOT’s history. In total it spanned 56 total lane miles, requiring 700,000 square yards of paving and 800,000 tons of aggregate. Best yet, the freeway was reopened to traffic in only 167 days – three weeks ahead of schedule.

     

     

    Road Construction Project Highlights:

    • Largest single-season construction contract in MDOT’s history
    • Total lane miles: 56
    • Days ahead of schedule: 21

  • M-59 Corridor

    What We Did

    Made possible by a $56-million federal stimulus fund, the expansion of M-59 between Crooks and Ryan roads was designed to eliminate bottlenecks on this commuter route connecting Oakland and Macomb counties. In addition to expanding the road from four to six lanes, the project included erecting a barrier between eastbound and westbound traffic, replacing storm sewers, reconstructing 16 ramps, and rebuilding or rehabilitating 9 bridges.

    Road Construction Project Highlights:

    • 5.6 miles expanded from four to six lanes
    • 16 ramps and 9 bridges reconstructed or rebuilt
    • Successfully managed traffic during construction

  • US-131

    What We Did

    This project, which spans 26 lane miles from Grand Rapids to Cedar Springs, presented a series of unusual challenges. To prevent roadway degradation during construction, Ajax addressed "tented" pavement caused by incompressible material in the old pavement joints and improper expansion in joint maintenance. Additionally, the bridge over 6 Mile Road was too narrow to accommodate conventional construction traffic, and a split/merge traffic plan was required during repairs to keep traffic moving in both directions.

    We placed a 6.5-inch unbonded concrete overlay on the existing 40-year-old pavement, bringing the roadway's parabolic surface, superelevation, and crown-cross slope up to current standards. We used a Shilstone-type, well-graded concrete mixture with three aggregates. The mixture contained 40 percent slag cement and used only 294 lb./cubic yard of Portland cement.

    Road Construction Project Highlights:

    • Split/merge traffic plans enabled two lanes of traffic in both directions during construction
    • Corrected original roadways to adhere to current standards
    • Recipient of the ACPA Excellence in Concrete Pavement Gold Award Winner

  • M-39

    What We Did

    M-39 is a major commuter highway in Southeastern Michigan, running through numerous residential communities. When it was time to rebuild three miles of concrete between McNichols and Nine Mile roads, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) required a very short production schedule and exacting noise control standards. The project also included reconstruction of 24 bridges and 77,000 cubic yards of concrete.

    Ajax Paving was more than up to the task. Our crews performed exhaustive benchmarking for more than two months before construction began to ensure new noise levels would meet specifications. Also, sixty people worked seven days a week to ensure they met the open date mandated by MDOT.

    The M-39 project was completed more than two weeks ahead of schedule and earned the Michigan Concrete Association’s Award of Excellence in 2011.

    Road Construction Project Highlights:

    • Bridges: 24
    • MCA Award of Excellence
    • Days ahead of schedule: 14

  • M-53 From Red Run to 18 Mile Rd

    What We Did

    This project on M-53 (Van Dyke) through Sterling Heights and Warren was 4.82 miles of road reconstruction, concrete surfacing, hot mix asphalt cold milling and resurfacing, drainage, curb, gutter, sidewalk, ramps and drive approaches, signal modernization, signing and pavement marking.

Concrete & Road Construction
Company with Full Capabilities

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High-Spec Mix

Our eight central mix batch plants can be mobilized and calibrated to each project's unique specifications and design needs.

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Leading Innovations

We own the most modern, computer-guided equipment and innovations available, such as stringless technology, for unmatched precision and efficiency.

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On-Time

At Ajax, if you're not early, you're late. We have a long history of completing even the most demanding and complex jobs ahead of schedule.

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Quality Control

On every project, at every step, we quality test the concrete materials and the mix to ensure results to the precise specifications.

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The Go-To Choice

Ajax Paving is very proud to have pre-qualification and licensing across the U.S. as a prime contractor or subcontractor.

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Experts Who Care

Our team of long-term crews, project managers, engineers, and other professionals at the top of their fields allow every project to reach its full potential.

Industry Recognitions for Concrete Construction in Michigan

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Award of Excellence

Arauco Grayling Plant, Grayling

Award of Excellence

I-75 Rouge Rover, Detroit-Downriver Connection I-75 over the Rouge River, City of Detroit, Wayne County

Award of Excellence

I-75 Modernization Project Segment 1 Design-Build Interchange Reconstruction, Coolidge Road to South Blvd, Oakland County

Award of Excellence

M-53 from Red Run Drain to 18 Mile, Cities of Sterling Heights and Warren, Macomb County

Award of Excellence

Runway 4L/22R and Associated Taxiways, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Romulus, MI

Award of Excellence

GM Circle Track Reconstruction, GM Proving Ground, Milford, MI

Our Concrete Construction Process, From Mix Design to Final Inspection

A commercial concrete project succeeds or fails long before the first truck arrives. Ajax follows a consistent process on every job, regardless of size: 

  1. Site assessment and mix design: Our engineers evaluate soil conditions, load requirements, and project specifications, then design a concrete mix suited to the climate, traffic, and structural demands of that specific site.
  2. Batch plant mobilization: Rather than trucking concrete long distances, Ajax sets up mobile batch plants on-site or adjacent to the project after careful location assessment, keeping the mix consistent and reducing delivery time.
  3. Subgrade and base preparation: Crews grade and compact the base, install drainage and cement-treated base where specified, and confirm elevations before any concrete is placed.
  4. Concrete placement and finishing: Using GPS-guided paving equipment and, on many projects, stringless technology, crews place and finish concrete to the tolerances required for highway, airport, or racetrack surfaces.
  5. Curing and joint sealing: Proper curing time and joint sealing protect the surface from early cracking and extend the pavement's service life.
  6. Inspection, compliance, and ongoing support: Every project is tested against MDOT, FAA, or client specifications before it opens to traffic, and Ajax remains available for warranty work and follow-up questions long after the crews demobilize.

Concrete vs. Asphalt vs. Masonry: Why Concrete Wins Commercial Projects

The choice between concrete, asphalt, and masonry comes down to load, lifespan, and use. Masonry is built unit by unit for walls and decorative surfacing—it isn't engineered for repeated heavy loads, so it rarely appears in commercial paving scopes.

Concrete and asphalt are both paving materials, but they perform differently under Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete's rigid slab structure distributes weight across a wider area and typically outlasts asphalt on high-load applications like runways and interstate corridors. Asphalt remains the faster, more economical choice for many resurfacing projects, which is why Ajax offers both and helps clients weigh lifespan against upfront cost. For the heaviest, most constant loads, concrete's durability wins.

The Right Concrete Mix. The Right Result.

Founded in 1951 as a small asphalt paving company, Ajax has evolved into a leader in road and bridge construction, concrete production, and concrete paving projects nationwide. Our eight central mix batch plants, designed for efficient, high-spec concrete construction, ensure that each project is completed with the highest quality standards. After careful location assessments, our mobile plants are set up on-site or adjacent to the project, delivering consistent, high-quality concrete for commercial projects and infrastructure builds.

With a workforce rigorously trained in project management and construction management, our crews bring expert real-time precision to every mix, supporting Ajax's mission to exceed client expectations on every job, from construction projects of all sizes to large-scale highway and airport runway work.

What is the difference between commercial and residential concrete construction?

Commercial concrete construction is engineered for sustained heavy loads—freeway traffic, aircraft, or industrial vehicles—and typically runs 8 to 21 inches thick with reinforced or cement-treated base, built to MDOT or FAA specifications. A residential driveway or patio runs 4 to 6 inches thick, carries light and occasional loads, and follows a simpler permitting process with no agency oversight.

How do I find a reliable concrete company near me in Michigan?

Confirm three things before you sign a contract: MDOT prequalification (or the FAA equivalent for airport work), in-house batch plants rather than rented equipment, and a completed-projects list at the scale you need. Ajax runs eight central mix batch plants statewide and holds prime contractor and subcontractor licensing across the U.S.—the same qualifications behind projects like the I-96 Flex Route and the I-75 Modernization Segment 3 DBFM.

How long does a commercial concrete construction project take?

It depends on scope, but Ajax's track record gives a real benchmark: the I-75 Coolidge Hwy. to South Boulevard reconstruction finished in 108 calendar days, 20 days ahead of the bid requirement, and the I-96 closure reopened in 167 days, three weeks early. Batch plant mobilization and phased lane or runway closures, planned before construction starts, are what make those timelines possible.

Can concrete be placed during Michigan winters?

Yes, below 40 F Ajax adjusts the mix design, adds insulated curing blankets, and monitors internal concrete temperature until it reaches strength—the same cold-weather protocol used on MDOT winter closures. Large multi-phase projects are still scheduled around Michigan's April-through-November construction season, since extended cold-weather protection adds cost and time that most contract schedules don't build in.

Does Ajax provide concrete construction services outside of Southeast Michigan?

Yes, Ajax has self-performed projects from the Alpena Airport in the northern Lower Peninsula to the US-131 corridor between Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, and south to the I-94 Jackson interchange rebuild. Batch plants mobilize to the job site rather than the job coming to a fixed plant location, so statewide reach doesn't depend on a single facility.

On-Time. In Spec. On Budget.
Since paving its first road in 1951, Ajax has grown into one of the most trusted construction companies in Southeast Michigan and Florida, known for commercial concrete and asphalt services across the United States. Having completed over 14 million cubic yards of concrete on highways, runways, and more, Ajax combines decades of expertise with the latest technology, including stringless paving and advanced load-transfer systems, ensuring high-quality results in any work zone.

A state highway, an airport runway, and a racetrack surface each demand a contractor capable of self-performing the work—a large fleet of the latest construction equipment paired with the crews to run it. Ajax continues to set the standard for excellence in commercial concrete construction and remains the concrete construction services provider that MDOT, airports, and commercial clients across Michigan turn to first.
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