BAGHDAD - The "Dirt Devils" of the 277th Engineer Company, an Army Reserve unit based in San Antonio, have just wrapped up resurfacing and upgrades to the roadways north of Western Bypass Road connecting Camp Liberty and Camp Victory. The Soldiers conducted roadwork to keep the road serviceable so it can continue to relieve congestion from smaller roads traveling through Strawberry Hill Road.
Soldiers of the 277th realize their work will assist with transporting various assets and resources.
"Local civilians and local Soldiers are stopping and thanking us for the road construction. In our eyes this feels like a success, with hearing the gratitude from fellow Soldiers." said non-commissioned officer-in-charge, San Antonio native Staff Sgt. George Velez, an Army Reserve Soldier assigned to the 277th Eng. Co., attached to the 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 225th Engineer Brigade.
Engineers have been smoothing out the road section by section over the last three weeks. The project was completed on July 6.
One of the challenges for the unit is completing the project without disrupting the regular flow of traffic.
"We received a large amount of traffic flowing through and have a lot of people thanking us for our support in this effort," stated Sgt. Augustine Deluna, heavy equipment operator, also from San Antonio.
On the busy road, fuel trucks, water trucks, supply trucks, military security vehicles and standard sport utility vehicles keep Soldiers aware of the urgency and productivity the project offers and work on the road is fast-paced, but conducted safely. Soldiers must communicate with each other during the day to understand their roles and responsibilities in the project.
Throughout the day, Velez and Deluna give instructions and expectations to their 277th heavy equipment operators because the project requires constant evaluation.
"We have a plan worked out for each day to complete the amount of productivity on this project," said Velez.
"Soldiers switch out from one heavy equipment vehicle to another to loosen the ground, then compact it with foundation made up of limestone and river rock," said Sgt. 1st Class Bifredo Barros, a Platoon Sergeant, 277th Eng. Co.
After adding the foundation, the "Dirt Devils" smoothed out the road with the heavy equipment by making adjustments to flatten the earth, taking out high spots and filling in low spots.
Soldiers of the 277th know a good foundation is the basis of a solid road and they are working to make sure the road most traveled stays in good condition. They continue to lay the groundwork of success for the present and the future of Victory Base Complex.
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