When it comes to infrastructure, quality is non-negotiable. This year, Grant County, Indiana earned recognition at the respected Asphalt Pavement Association of Indiana (APAI) Quality Asphalt Pavement Awards. The county’s winning project on Wheeling Pike Road exemplified excellence in craftsmanship, innovation and expertise. Selected from a competitive pool of nominees, Grant County was celebrated for its advanced use of asphalt technology and the exceptional workmanship of the paving contractor, Brooks Construction.
The Wheeling Pike Road project, using more than 3,000 tons of asphalt, was evaluated on multiple criteria, including mixture quality, tight and straight longitudinal joints, and degree of difficulty. Additional factors, such as community impact and innovative practices, further set this project apart.
Grant County’s Innovation and Impact
Grant County successfully utilized alternative funding through the Community Crossing Matching Grant (CCMG) program to repave Wheeling Pike Road. A key innovation in this project was the use of a void-reducing asphalt membrane (VRAM) to extend the life of the road’s centerline longitudinal joint.
By applying J-Band®, a proven VRAM product, Grant County anticipates saving at least $2 for every dollar invested through deferred and avoided maintenance costs. This innovative approach enables taxpayer dollars to go further, ensuring more critical infrastructure projects can be addressed.
The longitudinal joint is often the weakest part of any asphalt pavement. However, J-Band has been shown to extend the lifespan of longitudinal joints threefold. This dramatically reduces repair needs, increases safety, and enhances the road’s durability. Coupled with superior paving techniques, Grant County’s J-Band-reinforced project is built to stand the test of time.
Project Construction Details
- Owner: Grant County Highway Department
- Prime Paving Contractor: Brooks Construction Co., Inc.
- VRAM Applicator: Evergreen Roadworks
- Location: 3.63 miles of Wheeling Pike Road, from 1220 South to State Road 26
- Dates Constructed: August 21-22, 2024
As part of the standard construction process, VRAM was applied at the future location of the centerline joint before the hot mix asphalt (HMA) was paved. Evergreen Roadworks, a leading J-Band applicator, sprayed the VRAM in an 18-inch-wide band. The material was traffic-ready in less than 30 minutes. In total, 2,795 gallons of J-Band were applied over 19,188 feet, at an average rate of 1.25 lb./ft.
Evergreen Roadworks applies VRAM at the centerline
Smooth Execution and Collaboration
Brooks Construction began paving approximately one hour after VRAM application, using a 9.5mm Surface Type B asphalt mix. The process covered half of the VRAM band (9 inches) during the first lane paving. They utilized a CAT AP655 paver, a HAMM HD 110i tandem roller, and a Volvo DD110C asphalt compactor.
The rolling process involved a breakdown roller making five static-mode passes, followed by a finish roller working the mat in static mode. The adjacent lane was paved the following day using the same method.
Brooks Construction paves the first lane of HMA over the VRAM
The second lane of HMA is placed and compacted
As rollers compressed the mat, the heat of the HMA and the pressure caused the VRAM to migrate upward into the fresh asphalt. This process filled air voids from the bottom up, creating a pavement structure with near-zero permeability.
Recognition at the APAI Quality Asphalt Pavement Awards
At the 2024 APAI Quality Asphalt Pavement Award ceremony, Grant County Highway Department Superintendent David White accepted the award, celebrating with representatives from Grant County, Brook Construction Company, Evergreen Roadworks, Asphalt Materials Inc. and the J-Band team. This collaboration highlights the extensive teamwork required to execute a high-quality paving project.
David White noted the ease of incorporating VRAM into the construction process, saying, “Adding VRAM didn’t impact the paving time very much, we just sprayed it the morning before we started to put the surface on.” He expressed optimism about preventing the typical longitudinal joint cracking and plans to include J-Band in future projects.
Cullen Hesterberg (Evergreen Roadworks) with David White (Grant County)
2024 Grant County Award Grant County team displays their awards with Brooks Construction Co.
Grant County’s Quality Asphalt Pavement Award is a testament to the hard work of the paving crew, the forward-thinking approach of the county highway department, and the lasting benefits of adopting innovative asphalt technologies. As a two-time consecutive recipient of the APAI award, Grant County is poised to continue delivering infrastructure excellence in Indiana.
