Rubberized Asphalt

PHOENIX – The rubberized asphalt used by the Arizona Department of Transportation on many highway paving projects not only creates a smooth ride for drivers, it also provides a second life for the rubber from thousands of old, worn tires that might otherwise be dumped in landfills.

Such is the case with the ongoing project to put a fresh layer of rubberized asphalt on a busy stretch of Interstate 17 in Phoenix. Rubber from about 75,000 tires will be used in the layer of asphalt being added to 11 miles of I-17 between Dunlap and 19th avenues in Phoenix.

Did you know that weather affects the timing of paving work? ADOT needs Mother Nature to cooperate when paving our highways.

When someone hears the word “asphalt,” they might picture the road that they drive on, but asphalt is actually one component of that surface.

Rubberized asphalt is durable, smooth and uses recycled materials that otherwise would be headed to a landfill ... what’s not to like?

We asked and you answered! Back in December when we told you about the Quiet Pavement Pilot Program, we launched a survey asking for your thoughts on freeway surface conditions in Maricopa County.

Back in the early 2000s ADOT started to hear from drivers who said certain stretches of Valley freeways seemed quieter than others. ADOT and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) noticed a difference, too. It seemed that areas paved with an asphalt rubber friction course (rubberized asphalt), which MAG funded through the Regional Transportation Plan, were less noisy than freeway surfaces with cement concrete pavement.

Much has changed since ADOT got its start in 1927. Back then, the agency was known as the Arizona State Highway Department and roads certainly were built a little differently. Methods, materials and technology have changed so much since then.

Most people don’t find the sound of traffic especially soothing … ADOT certainly recognizes this and is constantly working to minimize the impacts to surrounding neighborhoods from the noise of new freeways.

Driving Valley Freeways this time of year? You might hear about or even experience lane restrictions because of rubberized asphalt paving. “Why,” you ask, “does ADOT schedule rubberized asphalt paving between March and May when so many of us are out and about enjoying the gorgeous weather?”