The Virginia Department of Transportation (USA) is redeveloping an entire stretch of highway using recycling techniques. Interstate 81 in Augusta County, Virginia will use three different road recycling procedures in combination to upgrade the road.
The right lane of the highway, which gets the most use, needs to be rebuilt the entire way through. This part of the road can be up to two-feet deep, with a 12-inch foundation. The foundation is to be compacted and the layer of asphalt that sits on top will be scraped up and put through an on-site mobile processor, then reapplied.
The left lane of the highway sees less abuse. The asphalt in this lane will be pulverized in place, strengthened and compacted. A fresh asphalt surface will then be applied to the top of both lanes.
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This marks the first time a road development effort of this scope that uses various recycling techniques in conjunction with one another has been proposed.
The road recycling process conserves resources and reduces the carbon footprint versus traditional road redevelopment efforts. The recycling operation also requires a much narrower workspace, so there is no need to temporarily widen the road. The process is accomplished faster than traditional redevelopment, also lending to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Highway recycling may become a mainstay in helping to rebuild road infrastructure more efficiently and cost-effectively, all while reducing emissions and conserving resources. It’s a win-win!
