CON 270 - Introduction to Road Construction

Course Overview and Requirements

Roads, highways, bridges, and transportation networks connect communities, drive economic growth, and represent one of the largest sectors of the construction industry. CON 270: Introduction to Road Construction provides an industry-focused introduction to the planning, development, and construction of transportation infrastructure projects, from initial concept through construction and long-term maintenance.

Designed for both Construction Management students and industry professionals, this course offers a practical understanding of how roadway projects are planned, financed, managed, and built. Students gain exposure to the technical, operational, and business considerations involved in delivering successful transportation projects while learning from professionals actively working in the industry.

This course is open to:

• Colorado State University Construction Management majors and minors.
• Non-degree seeking students, including industry professionals.
• Students from other colleges and universities seeking professional development or transfer credit (subject to approval by their home institution).

What You Will Learn

Students will explore every major phase of roadway construction, including:

• Transportation planning, finance, and roadway design
• Project delivery methods and risk management
• Right-of-way acquisition and project development
• Drainage systems and earthwork operations
• Retaining walls and bridge construction
• Asphalt and concrete paving operations
• Quality management and owner acceptance processes
• Sustainability in transportation construction
• Emerging technologies and drone applications
• Roadway maintenance and infrastructure asset management

Students will also analyze construction documents and develop roadway construction work plans modeled after real transportation projects.

Industry Engagement and Real-World Experience

A defining feature of CON 270 is the significant involvement of industry professionals throughout the semester. Students hear directly from transportation owners, contractors, consultants, specialty firms, and subject matter experts actively working on roadway projects. Coursework and assignments frequently incorporate active and historical transportation projects, allowing students to connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.

Who Should Take This Course?

• Construction Management students interested in heavy civil and infrastructure construction
• Professionals seeking a broader understanding of roadway construction and project delivery
• Individuals interested in careers with highway contractors, transportation agencies, engineering consultants, or infrastructure development firms

Why Take CON 270?

Roadway and transportation infrastructure are essential to every community and represent one of the largest and most dynamic sectors of the construction industry. Whether your interests lie in heavy civil construction, transportation, project management, estimating, field operations, or public infrastructure, CON 270 provides foundational knowledge that will help prepare you for future coursework, internships, and careers in the industry.

Through a combination of technical instruction, project-based learning, guest speakers, and exposure to emerging technologies, students gain a broad understanding of how transportation projects move from concept to construction and ultimately serve the traveling public.

Please check the CSU Bookstore for textbook information. Textbook listings are available at the CSU Bookstore about 3 weeks prior to the start of the term.