Municipality repairing roads in a more environmentally-friendly way

(Fort McMurray, AB – July 7, 2010) –An environmentally-friendly asphalt pulverizing pilot project for road rehabilitation has been launched, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo announced today.

The Roads Maintenance Branch is utilizing the asphalt pulverizing method on roads in Saprae Creek and Gregoire Lake Estates, wherein road crews will pulverize existing road surfaces that require repairs and recycle the deteriorated asphalt in place. The existing road will be reworked, reshaped and then have a new riding surface applied to it.

“The asphalt pulverizing method is an exciting project for us to undertake, as it has many benefits to our residents and our crews,” said Harry Grzebinski, Manager of Roads Maintenance. “Because we’re recycling and reusing existing road material, it is more environmentally-friendly, which is something the Municipality is always striving for.”

Traditionally, Municipal crews have carried out road maintenance repairs by excavating existing cold mix roadway, hauling the materials away and then adding additional aggregate to form the new road surface. This new method, which is practiced across Canada, will require less equipment, manpower and travel time in hauling and disposing of materials. Therefore, it will be less disruptive to residents as it allows for faster restoration of driving surfaces.

This technique also forms a more stable sub base than traditional methods of road rehabilitation, which means roads are longer lasting and smoother.

If determined that this method of road rehabilitation is successful in Saprae Creek and Gregoire Lake Estates, the Municipality may consider its use in other areas of the region.

The asphalt pulverizing pilot project commenced on July 7th and is expected to be completed by mid-July.

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