Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Heavy Construction Partner Nationwide
Peterson Contractors has been a leader in heavy and highway construction for over 57 years, delivering quality projects across the United States. Founded in 1965 with a single bulldozer, we have grown into one of the largest ground improvement installers in the country, operating a fleet of over 1,500 heavy equipment units. Our expertise spans bridges, deep foundations, earthwork, and geotechnical construction, supported by decades of hands-on experience and cutting-edge technologies like GPS machine control. We prioritize safety, maintaining a modifier consistently below industry standards, and have completed over 15,000 projects for public and private clients. Our team of 25 project managers, 50+ foremen, and 550 tradespersons ensures reliable execution for even the most complex projects.We specialize in design-build solutions, partnering with innovators like Geopier to advance ground improvement techniques since the late 1990s. With offices in multiple Iowa locations, we offer nationwide service through our Grading, Structures, Specialty, and Geotechnical divisions. Our commitment to integrity, collaboration, and innovation has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry. We serve diverse sectors including transportation, mining, and infrastructure, leveraging our 1.5 million annual safe work hours to deliver results. Our legacy of growth from a small subcontractor to a prime contractor reflects our adaptability and dedication to client satisfaction.
Services
Bridges
Ground Improvement
Deep Foundations
Earthwork
Cofferdams
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We have over 57 years of experience in heavy highway construction.
- Our patented ground improvement techniques set industry standards.
- We maintain a safety modifier 50% below the industry average.
- We operate a fleet of 1,500+ modern construction equipment units.
- Our nationwide service covers all 50 states from multiple Iowa offices.
Services
Bridges
We design and build complex bridges using advanced engineering techniques and heavy equipment. Our team delivers durable infrastructure solutions for transportation networks. Clients benefit from our 57 years of experience and 15,000+ completed projects.
Ground Improvement
Our patented ground improvement methods enhance soil properties for construction projects. We partner with Geopier to deliver innovative solutions that reduce costs and accelerate timelines. This expertise has been refined over 25+ years of specialized application.
Deep Foundations
We construct robust deep foundation systems using advanced piling techniques and vertical mast drivers. Our solutions support heavy structures on challenging soil conditions. Clients receive engineered systems that ensure long-term structural integrity and compliance.
Earthwork
Our earthwork services include mass excavation, grading, and material handling using 1,500+ equipment units. We prepare construction sites efficiently while maintaining environmental compliance. Clients benefit from precise grading and rapid project mobilization.
Cofferdams
We build temporary cofferdams for underwater construction projects using specialized shoring techniques. Our solutions enable dry working environments in challenging aquatic conditions. Clients receive engineered systems that ensure worker safety and project success.
People
Cordell Peterson
Co-Founder
Co-founded Peterson Contractors in 1965 after teaching experience and military service. Brought business education expertise from Buena Vista College to establish company operations.
Cork Peterson
Co-Founder
Co-founded Peterson Contractors in 1965 following engineering education at Iowa State University and military service. Provided technical leadership as the company's first heavy highway construction graduate.
Questions
What construction services does Peterson Contractors offer?
We specialize in bridges, ground improvement, deep foundations, earthwork, and cofferdam projects for public and private clients nationwide.
How long has Peterson Contractors been in business?
We've delivered construction solutions since 1965, with over 57 years of continuous operation and industry innovation.
What safety certifications does Peterson Contractors hold?
We maintain an exemplary safety record with a modifier 50% below industry standards and 1.5 million annual safe work hours.
Where does Peterson Contractors operate?
We serve all 50 states from our Iowa headquarters and regional offices in Council Bluffs, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City.
