Transforming a City’s Main Artery with Advanced Asphalt Solutions
Client: City of Brookdale Public Works Department
Project Duration: 4 Months
Scope: 8.5 km of high-traffic urban roadway reconstruction
Background
Brookdale’s central boulevard had long been plagued by severe cracking, rutting, and uneven surfaces due to decades of heavy vehicle traffic and patchwork repairs. The condition was causing safety hazards, increasing vehicle maintenance costs for residents, and lowering overall city aesthetics. The Public Works Department sought a long-term solution that balanced durability, cost-effectiveness, and minimal disruption to daily commuters.
Challenges
- High traffic volumes averaging 42,000 vehicles per day, requiring strict lane closure management.
- A history of substandard repairs that left a weak base layer.
- Tight municipal budget and public scrutiny.
- Weather conditions prone to rapid temperature changes, leading to asphalt fatigue.
Solution
The project team conducted a thorough pavement condition index (PCI) assessment and core sampling to understand the subgrade issues. A multi-phase solution was implemented:
- Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR): Recycled the existing asphalt and base materials on-site, improving the base layer without costly material imports.
- Polymer-Modified Asphalt Mix: Used a custom blend to withstand both heavy loads and temperature fluctuations.
- Nighttime Paving Operations: Reduced traffic disruption by 70% compared to daytime closures.
- Smart Compaction Technology: Ensured uniform density and eliminated weak spots.
Results
- Durability: Expected pavement lifespan extended from 8 years to 18 years.
- Cost Savings: Saved 22% of the budget through material recycling and efficient scheduling.
- Public Satisfaction: Post-project survey reported a 91% approval rating among residents.
- Environmental Impact: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 18% through material reuse and fewer haul trips.
Key Takeaway
Brookdale’s main boulevard is now a smooth, safe, and long-lasting roadway, proving that advanced asphalt engineering and sustainable practices can coexist to deliver exceptional urban infrastructure results.