Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Construction Solutions in Chesapeake, VA
A & W Contractors was founded in 1967 as a family-owned business specializing in water, sewer, and storm drainage infrastructure. Over five decades, we expanded our capabilities to deliver comprehensive construction services for public and private sector clients across Hampton Roads and beyond. With a team of 90 professionals and a modern equipment fleet, we execute projects ranging from municipal utilities to heavy highway construction while maintaining strict adherence to safety standards.Our track record includes zero project defaults, consistent on-time delivery, and honoring all contractual warranties. Backed by $60 million bonding capacity and one of the lowest workers' compensation ratings in the industry, we combine generational expertise with cutting-edge resources to meet evolving construction challenges.
Services
Municipal Utilities
Roadway Construction
Site Development
Excavation
Storm Drainage
Private Utilities
Grading
VDOT Projects
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We have completed 50+ years of projects with zero defaults
- Our $60 million bonding capacity handles large-scale infrastructure needs
- Lowest workers' compensation rating in the industry demonstrates safety excellence
- 50+ year track record of on-time project delivery
- Modern equipment fleet supports projects of any size or complexity
Services
Municipal Utilities
We design and construct water, sewer, and storm drainage systems for municipalities. Our expertise includes gravity sewer lines, force mains, and pump stations that meet strict regulatory requirements. With decades of experience in public infrastructure projects, we ensure long-term system reliability while minimizing community disruption during construction.
Roadway Construction
Our VDOT-certified team builds roads and highways to modern transportation standards. Services include complete roadway reconstruction, asphalt paving, and traffic control systems. We maintain specialized equipment for complex grading and drainage work, ensuring durable surfaces that withstand heavy traffic loads and environmental conditions.
Site Development
We provide full-cycle site development for residential and commercial projects. Our capabilities include land clearing, grading, utility installation, and asphalt/concrete paving. Working with developers and municipalities, we transform raw land into functional spaces while maintaining compliance with environmental regulations and zoning requirements.
Excavation
Our excavation services support infrastructure and building projects with precision earthwork. We handle large-scale grading, trenching for utilities, and site preparation using modern machinery. Our team maintains strict safety protocols while achieving exact specifications for depth, slope, and compaction requirements.
Storm Drainage
We install comprehensive stormwater management systems that prevent flooding and erosion. Our work includes catch basin installation, underground piping networks, and detention pond construction. We follow municipal specifications to ensure proper water flow while protecting surrounding properties from water damage.
People
James C. Archbell III
CEO
Leading A & W Contractors since 1987, Jay Archbell brings over 50 years of construction industry experience. He oversees strategic direction while maintaining active community involvement through his charitable foundation supporting children's causes.
Ian F. Hill
President
With A & W Contractors since 1994, Ian Hill manages daily operations and project execution. A former U.S. Army officer, he ensures quality control and safety compliance across all projects while developing new business opportunities.
Elizabeth Hamilton
CFO
CPA Liz Hamilton has managed financial operations at A & W Contractors for 28 years. She oversees accounting, tax compliance, and human resources, bringing 30+ years of construction industry financial expertise to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Chris Logan
Vice President
Starting as field crew, Chris Logan now leads project estimation and management. His hands-on experience with utility systems ensures accurate cost projections and successful project delivery for both public and private sector clients.
Mike Archbell Jr.
Project Manager
Joining in 2012, Mike Archbell manages material procurement and project estimation. With prior construction administration experience, he ensures accurate cost projections and timely delivery of materials for all public infrastructure projects.
Questions
What construction services does A&W Contractors offer?
We provide municipal utilities, roadway construction, site development, excavation, and storm drainage services for both public agencies and private developers.
Which areas do you serve?
We operate throughout Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, etc.) and extend to Tidewater Virginia and northeastern North Carolina communities.
How long has A&W Contractors been in business?
We've delivered construction solutions since 1967, maintaining our family-owned values while growing to handle multi-million dollar projects.
Can you handle large infrastructure projects?
Our $60 million bonding capacity and modern equipment fleet enable us to successfully complete projects of any scale or complexity.
What safety certifications do you hold?
We maintain one of the industry's lowest workers' compensation ratings through strict safety protocols and regular training programs for all staff.
