President’s Message

TXAPA and TxDOT: An Enduring Partnership

By Eric Suarez, Vulcan Materials Company, President—TXAPA

The relationship between the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association built on a foundation of genuine partnership, a collaboration that I have witnessed firsthand for over two decades. This partnership is exemplified by several key initiatives, all driven by a shared commitment to producing high-quality, long-lasting pavement.

Twenty years ago, I attended the first Partners in Quality (PIQ) meeting in the Houston District. Local contractors, area engineers, the Director of Construction, and the District Engineer were all present. The discussions were candid and productive, with everyone sharing their perspectives on the agenda items. Having the District Engineer there was crucial, as it allowed for immediate decisions or the assignment of follow-up tasks. I was impressed by the spirit of collaboration and the shared focus on quality paving. Since then, the PIQ program has expanded to every TxDOT district, and I continue to see the same dedication to achieving “good long-lasting quality pavement” in my current role with TXAPA. The consistent attendance of district engineers demonstrates their understanding of how vital this partnership is.

This collaborative spirit was also evident during the two-year process of rewriting the 2024 TxDOT specifications. As chairperson of the TXAPA Specification and Test Procedure committee, I worked closely with TxDOT to review proposed changes. We didn’t always agree, and the discussions were often intense, but the ultimate goal for both parties was to agree on specifications that would ensure high-quality pavement. While we had different viewpoints on certain topics, we ultimately reached a consensus on specifications that both sides could support. This is what true partnerships are about: working through disagreements to achieve a common, mutually beneficial goal. It was a pleasure to be part of this process, and I know many of our members have had similar experiences.

Currently, TXAPA and TxDOT are collaborating on a new venture that will impact the HMAC industry for years to come: the Asphalt Pavement Exchange (APEX) program. This educational initiative, led by Director Jim Warren, is designed for TxDOT employees, contractors, and consultants. I have the privilege of co-chairing the essentials working group with Mr. Greg Cedillo, the District Engineer in the Brownwood district. Our group, composed of six industry members, six TxDOT employees, and two consultants from various parts of the state, is developing an agenda for a workshop focused on essential information needed to perform tasks on any given project. The goal, once again, is to provide “good long-lasting quality pavement.” It has been rewarding to see new relationships develop into a powerful partnership that will create an impactful workshop. APEX is a significant undertaking, and I encourage all members to get involved if they have the opportunity. Your participation will not only shape the future of our industry but also help build valuable new relationships.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been and continues to be a part of this vital partnership between TXAPA and TxDOT.