For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022
June 11, 2008

COUNTY ROAD RESURFACING GOES “GREEN”

WHEATON — The DuPage County Division of Transportation is taking an innovative new approach to repaving out on the road, literally.  This summer, the County will be resurfacing a portion of Army Trail Road with asphalt containing ground rubber from old tires. 

Pam Rion, Chairwoman of the County’s Transportation Committee, notes that the benefits of using asphalt rubber include: longer lasting road surfaces, reduced road maintenance, cost effectiveness over the long term, lower road noise and shorter breaking distances.

“This new initiative is a more environmentally-conscience approach to maintaining our roads,” said Rion.  “By using this new material, we can also ensure a longer-lasting remedy to resurfacing our existing roads, which in the long run will save taxpayer’s money.”

Ground tire rubber can be blended with asphalt to beneficially modify the properties of the asphalt in highway construction. Size-reduced scrap tire rubber can be used either as part of the asphalt rubber binder (a.k.a., asphalt rubber), seal coat, cap seal spray or joint and crack sealant, or as an aggregate substitution (rubber modified asphalt concrete).  (www.epa.gov)

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asphalt rubber is the largest single market for ground rubber, consuming an estimated 220 million pounds, or approximately 12 million tires. California and Arizona use the most asphalt rubber in highway construction (over 80% of asphalt rubber utilized). Florida is the next largest user.

“The use of ground rubber asphalt is a first for DuPage County, and it is part of the county’s continued commitment to protecting the environment while maintaining its infrastructure,” said Robert J. Schillerstrom, Chairman of the DuPage County Board.  “I applaud our Transportation Division for undertaking this new and exciting approach to road maintenance.”

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