These visits help ensure that first responders are familiar with our operations long before an emergency ever occurs.

Indianapolis: 96th Street Plant Tour with Fishers Fire Department

The Indianapolis team welcomed the Fishers Fire Department to our 96th Street asphalt plant for a detailed facility walk-through. The primary goal of the visit was to provide firefighters with a clear understanding of the plant layout, materials, and operational processes so they can respond quickly and effectively if an emergency were to arise.

By walking the site together, both teams were able to discuss potential scenarios, access points, and safety considerations unique to asphalt operations. This collaborative approach strengthens emergency readiness while reinforcing the shared priority of protecting people first.

Gary Asphalt Plant: Fire Rescue Training and Operational Review

At our Gary asphalt plant, the Gary Fire Department participated in a walk-through and fire rescue training session led by Rieth-Riley’s safety and operations team. During the visit, firefighters gained insight into daily plant operations and learned how specific systems function in order to better prepare for emergency response situations.

The visit also created an opportunity for constructive feedback. Fire department personnel recommended adding additional signage and clearer labeling throughout the plant to improve communication during emergencies, practical suggestions that Rieth-Riley plans to implement. Proactive improvements like these can make a critical difference when seconds matter.

Preparedness Through Partnership

These plant tours reflect Rieth-Riley’s commitment to continuous improvement and open collaboration with local emergency responders. By working together before an emergency occurs, we can reduce risk, improve response times, and create safer working environments for everyone involved.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Fishers Fire Department and the Gary Fire Department for taking the time to visit our facilities, share their expertise, and partner with us in strengthening safety across our operations.

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Celebrating a One-of-a-Kind Community Event

The Pierogi Drop Festival is a uniquely Whiting celebration, drawing thousands of residents and visitors downtown for live entertainment, food, family-friendly activities, and the famous pierogi drop that closes out the night. Recognized nationally for its originality and community spirit, the event highlights what makes Whiting a special place to live and work.

As a premier sponsor, Rieth-Riley was honored to help support an event that showcases local pride, hospitality, and a strong sense of community.

Supporting Local Communities Beyond the Jobsite

Rieth-Riley’s sponsorship reflects a broader commitment to investing in the communities we serve across Northwest Indiana and beyond. While our day-to-day work focuses on infrastructure, materials, and construction, we also believe in supporting events that strengthen civic engagement and create lasting memories for residents.

Community festivals like the Pierogi Drop contribute to local vitality by supporting small businesses, encouraging tourism, and bringing neighbors together, outcomes that align with Rieth-Riley’s long-standing values.

A Commitment to Regional Engagement

From neighborhood initiatives to citywide celebrations, Rieth-Riley is proud to partner with communities in meaningful ways. Serving as a premier sponsor of the Pierogi Drop Festival is one more example of how we strive to support the places where our employees live, work, and raise their families.

We appreciate the organizers, volunteers, and City of Whiting partners who make this event possible each year and are proud to play a role in its continued success.

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In early 2025, Rieth-Riley joined fellow contractors and public agencies to kick off another year of coordinated demolition work as part of the city’s Neighborhood Stabilization initiative.

2025 Demolition Efforts Across Gary Neighborhoods

The 2025 initiative began with demolition activity in the Aetna neighborhood, where more than 20 vacant and unsafe structures were scheduled for removal. From there, the effort is expected to move across multiple areas of the city throughout the year, including Emerson, Downtown, Horace Mann, Midtown, and Glen Park.

These targeted demolitions address long-standing safety concerns while helping clear the way for reinvestment, redevelopment, and improved quality of life for residents.

A Collaborative, Volunteer-Led Initiative

This work would not be possible without collaboration across the construction industry and public sector. Rieth-Riley volunteered equipment, manpower, and expertise to support the demolition effort, working alongside other committed organizations including:

• CLee Construction
• Hasse Construction
• Actin Inc.
• RMD Construction
• Superior Construction
• Lake County Highway Department

Each organization donated resources to help move the initiative forward, demonstrating a shared belief in Gary’s future and a commitment to making a tangible difference at the neighborhood level.

Continuing a Multi-Year Commitment

Rieth-Riley’s involvement in Gary’s blight removal efforts builds on similar demolition and stabilization work supported in 2024, reflecting a sustained, long-term approach rather than a one-time project. By participating year after year, Rieth-Riley helps ensure that progress continues steadily across the city.

Large-scale neighborhood improvement takes time, coordination, and patience. As demolition crews move between neighborhoods, temporary disruptions are balanced against long-term benefits, safer streets, reduced hazards, and renewed opportunities for growth.

Investing in the Communities We Serve

Community involvement is a core part of who we are at Rieth-Riley. Supporting neighborhood stabilization in Gary is about more than demolition; it’s about partnership, responsibility, and contributing to a safer, stronger city for the people who live and work there.

We are grateful to work alongside dedicated contractors, agencies, and city partners who share a vision for Gary’s continued renewal.

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A Community-Driven Effort

The Indianapolis team, alongside several valued industry partners, came together to raise funds for Thanksgiving baskets benefiting families in the neighborhood adjacent to our Indianapolis office. Through collective donations, coordination, and volunteer time, the effort resulted in meals being delivered directly to those who needed them most.

This year, we were proud to provide Thanksgiving baskets to 600 families, helping ensure they could gather, celebrate, and enjoy a warm holiday meal.

Extending the Impact Beyond the Neighborhood

Thanks to the generosity of our employees, partners, and supporters, the fundraising effort exceeded the immediate needs of the basket program. The remaining funds were donated to Billie’s Food Pantry in Indianapolis, extending the impact of the initiative and supporting ongoing food access within the community.

Built on Teamwork and Service

Events like the Indy Thanksgiving Delivery reflect the values that guide Rieth-Riley every day, teamwork, responsibility, and a commitment to the communities where we live and work. This effort would not have been possible without the dedication of our employees and volunteers who gave their time to organize, assemble, and deliver the baskets.

We are grateful to everyone involved and proud of the Indianapolis team for continuing a tradition that strengthens community connections year after year.

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Our internship program is a paid internship that provides students with college credit while educating them on various facets of the concrete and asphalt paving industry. Whether you’re studying engineering, construction management, or business, our internship program can help you pave the path to future success as you learn about the industry, network with professionals, and learn to appreciate horizontal construction.

Plan Your Future with Rieth-Riley

The goal of our internship program is to create a pipeline of the best candidates for full-time employment, starting with roles in quality control, project management, estimating, field superintendent, and several other disciplines. We aim to offer new opportunities each year, continuously growing and adapting to industry needs.

While internship opportunities vary based on availability, possibilities include:

• Project Engineers
• Quality Control
• Operations
• Accounting
• Project Management
• Heavy Equipment Mechanic
• And More!

For college interns, there is a focus on construction management, but we are also building a high school internship program to prepare younger students for future careers in the industry. Unlike some programs, Rieth-Riley’s internship offers college credits, emphasizing both educational and practical experiences.

Summer Internship Program

Our summer internship program requires a minimum commitment of 10 weeks and includes scholarship awards. Interns have the opportunity to build a professional network, interacting with Rieth-Riley employees, subcontractors, city engineers, county workers, and more.

How to Apply for Rieth-Riley’s Internship Program

Rieth-Riley representatives regularly visit colleges in Indiana and Michigan, as well as high schools, to spread the word about our internships. If you’re a school interested in having us, a student who wants to explore a career, or someone interested in learning more about our internship program, please contact us today. One of our representatives can provide detailed information related to your questions.

We would love to hear from you and help you learn more about preparing for your future career in the horizontal construction industry with Rieth-Riley!

Have a Question? Ask an Expert!

Rieth-Riley is an employee-owned asphalt and concrete paving company. With over a century of experience, we strive to maximize safety and improve road conditions. If you have a question about an industrial paving project, contact one of our experienced professionals today!

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Designed to meet the workforce shortage found throughout the construction industry, the CCP gives students the opportunity to experience the construction industry firsthand as they learn about career opportunities while gaining hands-on experience. This program is recognized by the Department of Education as a career path and is currently utilized by 17 schools in Indiana.

How does the Civil Construction Pathway work?

The CCP works by educating students about various facets of the construction industry. This includes:

• Asphalt Paving
• Concrete Paving
• Bridges
• Construction Inspection
• Erosion Control
• Flagging
• Formwork
• Heavy Equipment Operation
• Safety
• Soils
• Surveying

By partnering with various industry professionals, the CCP can give a wide range of experiences to students. Throughout this four-year program, students will learn about the industry through an in-depth study of coursework, as well as hands-on experience and application of materials.

Year One

The first year provides a foundation in industry concepts and educates students about the basics of engineering, project completion, and skills such as hand tools and power tools related to the field.

Year Two

In the second year, there is an emphasis on highway construction. Students dive deeper into practical exercises such as ATSSA flagging, crane communication, and more.

Year Three

The third year, known as the Civil Construction II course, provides more technical insight into subjects like stormwater erosion control, bridge construction, and more. There is a large emphasis on partnering with industry experts for practical hands-on experience.

Year Four

The final year brings practical experience and coursework together by providing paid apprenticeships. Working closely with industry partners, students gain experience and often start their careers with those they apprentice with. This year effectively kickstarts a student’s career in the industry.

Accreditation and Industry Recognition

The CCP is an accredited path for students seeking careers in the heavy highway construction industry. It offers relevant classroom information delivered by professionals in the industry. Students are placed in internships and offered tours to relate classroom content to real-life experience.

Special Programs and Events

A highlight of the program is the Golden Shovel event, where two schools compete by partnering with industry professionals to run a project and get graded. A significant draw is the opportunity for students to operate heavy equipment and get trained on mini excavators and mini skid steers. The Sandbox initiative allows students to practice using construction equipment, providing invaluable hands-on experience.

How to Get Involved in the Civil Construction Pathway

The Civil Construction Pathway program is an excellent option for students to consider. There are many opportunities to get involved across the state of Indiana. For both students who want to get involved and schools who want to bring this program to their area, you can contact Work IN Roads.

Grab hold of your future today and get involved in the Civil Construction Pathway!

Have a Question? Ask an Expert!

Rieth-Riley is an employee-owned asphalt and concrete paving company. With over a century of experience, we strive to maximize safety and improve road conditions. If you have a question about an industrial paving project, contact one of our experienced professionals today!

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What is the Sandbox Arena?

The Sandbox Arena is a Civil Construction Pathway program in Indiana. It was born due to the difficulty of educating students about heavy equipment in a classroom setting. It gives students the opportunity to learn about heavy machinery and related industries through a hands-on learning experience.

This experience helps students who are interested in pursuing a career in the civil construction workforce identify what areas they are passionate about. The Sandbox Area showcases several skills including operating heavy machinery, navigating obstacles, moving dirt, and more!

Rieth-Riley recently took part in guiding Hamilton Heights High School students through the Sandbox area. We donated two trucks to haul dirt and stone, providing the chance for hands-on learning. Other partners include MacAllister Machinery, which donated other equipment. Together, we hauled over 50 loads of dirt, educating students the entire time about the industry, what careers they could pursue, and how to do so safely and efficiently.

How does the Sandbox Area affect high school students?

We believe that by exposing students to the civil workforce, they may consider careers and paths they otherwise wouldn’t have. By giving them an opportunity to see construction up close, they can learn more about the industry than if they were simply in a classroom.

Furthermore, with the Sandbox Arena, students can meet industry experts and build connections as they consider their future careers. This allows them to pursue internships, meet different industry representatives, and open the door for future employment by teaching them the necessary skills of the industry.

How to Get Involved in The Sandbox Arena

The Sandbox Arena is part of the Civil Construction Pathway program, which provides students an opportunity to explore careers in horizontal construction. If you or a child are interested in getting involved in this program, you can contact work in roads, or speak to a representative at Rieth-Riley to find out more about our involvement in the program.

It’s never too early to start considering your future. What better way than a hands-on learning experience? Get involved in the Sandbox Arena program today!

Have a question? Ask an expert!

Rieth-Riley is an employee-owned asphalt and concrete paving company. With over a century of experience, we strive to maximize safety and improve road conditions. If you have a question about an industrial paving project, contact one of our experienced professionals today!

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What are work zones?

Everyone knows the feeling of seeing signs for “road work ahead”. Knowing that traffic may get congested and that you’ll be forced to drive slower aren’t often things that make your day better. However, work zones are more than a mild inconvenience. In these orange areas, men and women are working tirelessly to repair and enhance roads to make driving easier and safer for you.

Work zones are established to allow for the repair, maintenance, or construction of highways, bridges, or other transportation infrastructure. They are typically marked by warning signs and bright orange cones or barrels to alert drivers of the changes in road conditions. It is essential to slow down and pay attention when entering a work zone as there may be temporary lane closures, narrow lanes, or reduced speed limits. These changes require drivers to be alert and aware of their surroundings, especially as construction workers and equipment may be present.

Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these warning signs and fail to take the necessary precautions when entering work zones. This has resulted in an increase in fatalities with 836 being reported in 2020, and 956 being reported in 2021. These statistics underscore the importance of work zone safety and the need for all drivers to be vigilant when driving through these areas.

Limit Distracted Driving

One of the most significant dangers in work zones is distracted driving. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, applying makeup, or adjusting the radio. These distractions can be deadly, especially in work zones where traffic patterns are unpredictable, and workers and equipment may be present. For example, texting alone accounts for 9% of all fatal crashes. Distracted drivers may not see a worker or a piece of equipment until it’s too late, leading to an accident.

It is crucial to eliminate distractions while driving through work zones to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. One effective way to do this is to put away electronic devices before entering a work zone. If must make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe location before continuing your journey. It is also important to avoid eating or drinking while driving as this can cause a distraction as well.

Stay Alert, Save a Life

In addition to eliminating distractions, drivers should also follow the specific rules and guidelines established for work zones. These may include reduced speed limits, temporary lane closures, or detours. It is important to obey these rules and follow any directions given by construction workers or traffic control devices. Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

Furthermore, it is essential to stay alert and focused when driving through work zones. This means avoiding drowsy driving and ensuring that you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel. It also means paying attention to your surroundings and being prepared for unexpected changes in traffic patterns. By staying alert and focused, you can help ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Work zone safety is a critical issue that affects all drivers on the road. These zones require drivers to pay close attention and follow specific rules to ensure everyone’s safety. This is especially true when it comes to distracted driving. Eliminating distractions, following established rules and guidelines, and staying alert and focused can help prevent accidents and save lives. By doing your part to promote work zone safety, you can help make our roads safer for everyone.

Have a question? Ask an expert!

Rieth-Riley is an employee-owned asphalt and concrete paving company. With over a century of experience, we strive to maximize safety and improve road conditions. If you have a question about an industrial paving project, contact one of our experienced professionals today!

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