Revitalizing Downtown Main Street with High-Performance Asphalt Paving
Client
City of Brookhaven (Municipal Public Works Department)
Project Duration
March 2024 – June 2024
Project Size
1.2 miles (Main Street Corridor)
Estimated Daily Traffic: 18,000 vehicles
Background
The City of Brookhaven faced a growing issue: Main Street, the heart of downtown, had reached the end of its service life. Deep potholes, surface cracking, and faded striping not only created safety hazards but also negatively impacted local businesses due to reduced accessibility and an unappealing streetscape.
The city required a cost-effective yet long-lasting resurfacing solution that could handle heavy daily traffic, including commercial trucks, without requiring frequent repairs. Asphalt Roadway Info was brought in to advise, plan, and execute the project using modern asphalt paving technologies.
Challenges
- High Traffic Volume – Needed to minimize disruptions to commuters and businesses.
- Subgrade Deterioration – Existing base layer was unstable in several segments.
- Weather Constraints – Project began in early spring, requiring careful scheduling to avoid rain delays.
- Longevity Goals – City wanted a pavement lifespan of 15+ years without major resurfacing.
Solution
Our team conducted a thorough pavement condition assessment, revealing that full-depth reclamation combined with a Superpave asphalt mix would yield the best results.
Key Steps Taken:
- Traffic Management Plan – Implemented night work schedules and lane-by-lane closures to keep downtown accessible.
- Full-Depth Reclamation – Recycled existing pavement and stabilized the base with cement to improve strength.
- Superpave Asphalt Mix – Designed to withstand heavy axle loads and prevent rutting, cracking, and water infiltration.
- Thermal Imaging for Compaction – Ensured uniform temperature during rolling for better density and longer lifespan.
- Sustainable Practices – Incorporated 25% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to reduce environmental impact.
Results
- Pavement Lifespan: Projected to exceed 17 years with minimal maintenance.
- Reduced Disruption: Completed ahead of schedule in just 10 weeks.
- Cost Efficiency: Saved the city approximately 18% in material costs by reusing reclaimed asphalt.
- Community Impact: Post-completion survey showed 92% satisfaction among local residents and business owners.
Key Takeaways
- Modern asphalt technology can drastically improve road performance and durability, even in high-traffic areas.
- Full-depth reclamation with RAP reduces costs and environmental footprint without sacrificing quality.
- Proper traffic management planning can keep commerce alive during major roadworks.
Quote from City Engineer“Asphalt Roadway Info’s approach not only gave us a stronger road but also proved that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. We’re thrilled with the results.”