Stock Option Agreement

Stock Option Agreement ( ) Dated — Page 2

EXHIBIT 10.52

Optionee :

Grant Date:

Option Shares:

Option Price Per Share:

Option Expiration Date:

Option Plan:                                2001 Stock Incentive Plan

Effective on the Grant Date set forth above, Sterling Construction Company, Inc. (the “Company” ) has granted to you a stock option that to the extent permissible under applicable tax laws and regulations is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any regulations thereunder (the “Code” ) to purchase the number of Option Shares of the Company’s common stock (par value $0.01 per share) set forth above at the Option Price Per Share set forth above, on the condition that you enter into this Option Agreement with the Company.

The Option Shares become exercisable (vest) in installments from and after the vesting dates set forth below:

You may purchase any one or more of the Option Shares that become exercisable on a given date from that date through and including the Option Expiration Date set forth above, unless this Option is sooner terminated or ceases to be exercisable as provided in this Agreement or in the Option Plan.

By signing this Option Agreement, you and the Company agree that this Option is governed by the terms and conditions set forth on this page and on the following Pages 2 and 3 of this Option Agreement as well as by the terms and conditions of the Option Plan, a copy of which has been furnished to you. An additional copy of the Option Plan will be furnished to you on request to the Company’s Treasurer.

Stock Option Agreement ( ) Dated — Page 2

Additional Stock Option Agreement Terms

       Exercises . For an exercise to be effective, the Company must receive from you:

A written notice signed by you stating the Option Grant Date and the number of Option Shares you wish to purchase; and

Payment for the Option Shares either (i) by personal, cashier’s or certified check; or (ii) by the surrender of shares of the Company’s Common Stock that you have held for at least six months and that have a fair market value (as defined in the Plan) on the date of exercise equal to the purchase price of the Option Shares being purchased, or a combination of both, all according to the rules and regulations relating to the Plan.

Issuance of Option Shares .

You will have no rights as a shareholder of the Company with respect to any Option Shares purchased under this Option until a certificate representing such shares has been issued and delivered to you.

The Company will not be obligated to deliver a certificate for any Option Shares unless —

Non-Transferability . During your lifetime, this Option may only be exercised by you or in the case of your disability, by your legal representative. In addition, this Option may not be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered, either voluntarily or by operation of law, except (a) by your will or according to the laws of descent and distribution; or (b) to immediate family members (as defined in the Option Plan) to the extent permitted by applicable laws.

Termination of Employment . For purposes of this Section 4 , the word “Company” includes the Company’s subsidiaries, and the “Termination Date” means the date that you cease to have an employment relationship with the Company.

If your employment terminates by reason of (i) your disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code;) or (ii) your death; or if you should die within three months after the Termination Date (unless termination was for Cause, as defined below), then this Option may nevertheless be exercised by you, by your legal representative, by your estate, or by your beneficiaries, as the case may be, but only to the extent it was exercisable on the Termination Date and only on or before the earlier to occur of (x) the first anniversary of the Termination Date and (y) the Option Expiration Date.

If your employment is terminated pursuant to a “cause” or “good reason” provision of any employment agreement between you and the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries ,or absent such an agreement, for Cause (as defined below,) then this Option will terminate effective upon the Termination Date.

If your employment terminates for any reason other than those set forth in Sections 4(a) or 4(b) , above, then this Option may nevertheless be exercised by you, but only to the extent it was exercisable on the Termination Date and only on or before the earlier to occur of (i)&nbs