KERNERSVILLE -- Paving projects have come to a screeching halt since the heavy rains moved into the Triad. Local paving and asphalt companies have lost thousands of dollars this week due to the wet weather.
Nearly $2 million of equipment sits unused at AAA Paving in Kernersville. The heavy rains have put a stop to big paving projects.
"There are several phases we go through. The preparation and grading and setting up the stonework to pave are very critical with the weather. We need the temperatures and weather right to pave," said Tommy Parrett, AAA Paving office manager.
This week, AAA Paving lost about $100,000 worth of work because of the rain. One project was worth about $85,000.
"We were supposed to start the demolition and excavation on the asphalt parking lot for Dutchman Baptist Church in Mocksville, North Carolina this week. With the rain that set in Friday and continuing to rain, we've actually lost this week for paving," said Parrett.
The other project was at the Tractor Supply in Rural Hall. Digging up the earth when it rains means more money for the customer, which is why they put it off.
"We don't want to expose the stone until the elements of the weather incur the cost for the general contractor or for us as a paving company, so we just left it alone," said Parrett.
So, when the machines aren't running on the roads, company officials are busy inside making phone calls to their clients.
"We keep them updated on the situation. With the church, those folks are local. The Tractor Supply, it's actually for a contractor out of state, so they may be having a little different weather than we're having here, but the main thing is constant communication and staying in touch," said Parrett.
As the rain continues, office work will be the main priority until they can get back out on the roads.
AAA Paving expects work to pick back up early next week.