According to a September 4, 2015 article in The State Journal-Register, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is testing a concrete paving technique during a five-year pilot project on Interstate 72 east of Springfield, Illinois, USA. The pilot project is testing use of a concrete and buffer overlay on a section of I-72 just outside of Springfield as an alternative to the traditional hot-mix asphalt overlay. The test will include regular pavement testing and tracking of maintenance required compared with the asphalt pavement, according to IDOT. Depending on results, the technique could be expanded to other high-traffic highways. The project will help determine whether there is a better way to extend the life of Illinois’ most heavily traveled highways. The just-completed work was part of a multiyear rehabilitation of pavement and bridges on the interstate between Springfield and Decatur, where according to IDOT figures, nearly 21,000 vehicles travel the popular commuter section—including approximately 3,000 heavy trucks daily.
IDOT said, “This project presented us with an opportunity to study the concrete overlay method, and determine its construction and maintenance costs, and its performance compared to a traditional asphalt overlay. The section east of Springfield will help determine whether the concrete overlay is more cost-effective in the long run than the initially less expensive asphalt paving. Hot-mix asphalt applied directly to existing pavement has been used for much of the construction between Springfield and Decatur the last few years. Concrete separated from the old pavement with a buffer was used on the [new] test section. IDOT has used a similar method on less traveled roads.
“For five years, we will monitor this [new] concrete overlay section of I-72, and compare it to a rehabilitated hot asphalt mix overlay section of I-72,” IDOT said. “The goal is to compare construction and maintenance costs. This will allow us to determine the most cost-effective rehabilitation treatment for future projects. IDOT is continually looking for cost-effective strategies to maintain this large network in good condition and provide safe travel for motorists.”
To read the entire SJR article, please click here.
For more information, please contact:
Tim Landis, Business Editor-The State Journal-Register:
E-mail: tim.landis@sj-r.com | Phone: 788-1536 | Twitter: twitter.com/timlandisSJR
PHOTO: Dust billows from behind a machine cutting a recessed groove for pavement markings
on the new concrete overlay on I-72 east of Springfield, Ill. The groove allows pavement markings to sit
slightly lower than the pavement surface so they are less likely to be damaged by snow plow blades.
Ted Schurter-The State Journal-Register