NC Region and BTS recognized for efforts towards achieving pavement performance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 29, 2022
Contact: Brandon Strand (608) 255-3114
Madison – The Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association (WAPA) announced today that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation North Central Region and Bureau of Technical Services received the 2022 State Award for advancing innovation in asphalt pavements. WisDOT was recognized during the association’s 63rd Annual Conference in Wisconsin Dells.
During the summer of 2022, WisDOT and the Federal Highway Administration toured a new innovative plant in Wisconsin Rapids that produces 100% recycled asphalt pavement utilizing microwave technology for all heating. Extensive research and on-site demo projects illustrated the potential for pavement performance while achieving significant cost savings opportunities.
BTS and the NC Region scheduled a pilot project to test the new 100% recycled asphalt overlay on STH 173 in Nekoosa. The pilot sections were constructed on August 31, 2022 using a mix design of project millings, minimal virgin 52-34 with EVOTHERM, and a rejuvenating agent.
“New technology to produce recycled asphalt using microwaves to heat the material and allow a higher percentage of asphalt to be repurposed into new pavements is truly innovative,” said Brandon Strand, WAPA Executive Director. “The process has the potential to conserve resources, reduce emissions, and perform well under traffic while offering cost-savings.”
The pavement will be monitored for its performance compared to traditional asphalt materials.
“We commend the region, and the entire department, for recognizing the potential of this pioneering technology,” Strand continued. “We are proud of the partnership we have with the department because it takes trust and collaboration to implement innovative research and. development projects like this that could have positive impacts on the way we build roads.”
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“Asphalt. Wisconsin rides on us.” Established in 1948, WAPA is a statewide, non-profit organization representing the interests of the asphalt industry on a wide range of issues related to pavement design, construction, maintenance, specifications, costs, marketing, and policy at the local, state, and federal levels. WAPA’s mission is to promote quality asphalt pavements that are safe, sustainable, durable, and cost-effective.
For more information, please visit www.wispave.org or contact Brandon at strand@wispave.org