The City of Mesa has taken a bold step toward reimagining roadway reconstruction in Arizona. Their recent work on Southern Avenue, between Gilbert and Vel Vista Drive, earned the 2025 Best in Arizona, Local City Agency Award in Sustainability and Innovative Reconstruction—a testament to Mesa’s commitment to forward-thinking infrastructure solutions.
A Project That Sets the Bar
Constructed in June of 2025, the Southern Avenue project was no small undertaking. With a budget of $6.5 million, the team reconstructed 1.5 miles of roadway (equivalent to 5–6 lane miles) on one of Mesa’s busiest corridors, carrying an average daily traffic (ADT) of 60,000 vehicles. The project was delivered in partnership with Nesbitt Contracting, with design support from Ergon/Paragon, known for their expertise in engineered emulsions.
Innovation at Its Core
What made this project stand out was its combination of sustainable techniques:
Arizona’s First VRAM Application
- The project marked the state’s first use of VRAM (Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane). This innovative material was applied under the surface course along the concrete gutter line interface and under a longitudinal joint, creating a watertight seal that protects pavement joints from early deterioration. By reducing water infiltration and improving performance of the whole joint area, VRAM extends pavement life and lowers maintenance costs.
Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR)
- Mesa incorporated 17,400 tons of CIR, reusing existing pavement materials to minimize waste and reduce trucking. CIR is a sustainable approach that lowers greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources—an approach that Mesa is one of the first in the Phoenix area to embrace.
High-Performance Mix Design
- The project also included 9,200 tons of hot mix asphalt (HMA) and 10 tons of VRAM, supported by a cold in-place pavement, ensuring durability and long-term performance.
Sustainability and Impact
By combining these techniques, Mesa achieved significant environmental and economic benefits. The reuse of materials through CIR reduced landfill waste and hauling emissions, while VRAM’s joint protection will extend pavement life, saving taxpayers money over time. Implementing these innovations on a high-volume corridor demonstrates Mesa’s confidence in sustainable solutions.
Recognition and Leadership
The project’s success was celebrated at the Arizona Pavements and Materials Conference, where Matt Manthey, Pavement Management Supervisor, and his team were honored for their leadership in sustainable road construction. Their work positions Mesa as a pioneer in adopting advanced pavement preservation strategies, setting an example for other municipalities across Arizona.
Matt shared, “We’re proud that our approach on Southern Ave is getting attention. Hopefully, other agencies will follow suit and consider more cost-effective and sustainable methods for road rehabilitation like cold recycling. By using a VRAM for this project, we’re investing now to avoid expensive maintenance along longitudinal joints later. Specifically, we anticipate it will promote a better concrete-asphalt bond and keep the pavement from pulling away from that curb.”
Looking Ahead
Mesa’s award-winning Southern Avenue project provides a glimpse at the future of roadway reconstruction. By boldly embracing innovation and sustainability, the City of Mesa is trailblazing for safer, longer-lasting roads that benefit both residents and the environment.
Sidebar: What Is VRAM and Why Does It Matter?
Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) is a specialty material applied under the surface of asphalt pavement at critical joint locations. Its purpose is simple but powerful: protect the joints against water and air infiltration, which are leading causes of premature pavement failure. By filling air voids in these vulnerable areas, VRAM significantly extends pavement life, reduces maintenance costs, and improves overall performance—making it a smart investment for high-volume roads like Southern Avenue.
- See another VRAM curb project in Missouri
- Dive into the research: VRAM and Pavement Permeability
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