The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) plans to perform pavement maintenance, install guardrail and place new traffic striping on a portion of US-82 in Bibb County from the SR-25 overpass to the junction of SR-382 east of Centreville, including the ramps, to improve mobility and safety.
The 4.85-mile project is expected to begin this week and will continue through the fall, weather permitting. Flaggers and/or a pilot car will guide traffic through portions of the work zone.
Vulcan Materials Asphalt and Construction was awarded the project at $1.76 million.
The pavement maintenance project involves a process called micro-surfacing emulsion, which is a mixture of aggregate, water and asphalt that is used to protect and extend the lifespan of the roadway up to eight years. This technique is not only effective, but also saves money by reducing the number of times a roadway must be fully resurfaced. Additionally, micro-surfacing emulsion fills ruts caused by heavy vehicles and provides a smooth surface, enhancing safety and a better drive.
ALDOT first began micro-surfacing in 2012, but began to use it more often within the last five years, as the technique has saved the state millions of dollars. Jessie Spear, Assistant State Maintenance Engineer, said the benefits of using this treatment also extend to workers and the traveling public.
“Micro-surfacing is just one of the many tools we have in our toolbox at ALDOT when it comes to pavement preservation,” Spear said. “Anytime we can reduce worker exposure to traffic, reduce the impact to the traveling public, and provide cost-effective solutions, that is considered a winning combination.”
