Before the Ohio Turnpike was constructed in the 1950s, travel across Ohio was a patchwork of canals, railroads, and roads—each varying in quality and reliability. With the rise of automobiles, state leaders envisioned a superhighway stretching across the northern edge of the state. The result was the Ohio Turnpike—241 miles of continuous roadway that became the largest construction project at that point in Ohio’s history.
Today, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) continues to live up to its slogan, “A Better Way to Travel®.” Guided by five core principles—Improve Safety, Improve Quality of Work Life, Improve Customer Experience, Maintain Excellent System Conditions, and Maintain Strong Financial Stewardship—the OTIC sets measurable objectives, tracks results, and publishes progress in monthly reports.
“If we see one or more objectives and key results going in the wrong direction, we find out why and take steps to improve,” the OTIC states. This commitment to data-driven decision-making extends to the materials and methods used in their paving projects.
One such choice is VRAM (Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane), a proven asphalt technology designed to protect the pavement’s most vulnerable location: the longitudinal construction joint. Applied before the surface course, VRAM works from the bottom up, filling air voids to prevent premature deterioration. As a result, the longitudinal joint will not require typical maintenance and repair, saving road managers time and money, and creating a safer roadway for the public and workers.
The following project demonstrates a VRAM application in action.
Project Profile: Pavement Resurfacing and Repairs
- Owner: Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission
- Scope: 6 miles of the Ohio Turnpike, beginning at MP-27.5 to MP-33.7 between Exit 25 and Exit 34 in Fulton County
- Prime Contractor: Gerken Paving, Inc.
- VRAM Applicator: Gerken
- Date: July 2025
This resurfacing project began with milling the old asphalt surface from all lanes and shoulders, followed by placement of a new binder course. With traffic maintained in two lanes during the day and single-lane closures at night, crews worked efficiently to minimize disruption.
Once the binder course was in place, Gerken applied a 15-inch-wide band of VRAM at the future lane-to-lane joint. Immediately afterward, they paved a 1.25-inch asphalt concrete surface course using crushed slag (PG76-22), paving the mainline and shoulder in echelon. The rolling operation slightly overhung the joint to ensure optimal compaction. As the VRAM migrated upward into the pavement’s air voids, its presence was marked by a distinct dark shadow, visible proof of the joint’s reinforced integrity.
Gerken spraying a 15″ band of VRAM on the binder course at the location of the future centerline joint
Gerken paving a 1.25-inch wearing course over the VRAM band, first lane complete
From its ambitious beginnings in the 1950s to today’s data-driven infrastructure management, the Ohio Turnpike has remained committed to building and maintaining some of the most durable roadways in the nation. By integrating VRAM into its resurfacing program, the OTIC is taking proactive steps to extend pavement life, reduce taxpayer costs, and improve safety.
For road managers across the country, the Ohio Turnpike’s adoption of VRAM sends a clear message: when building strong, lasting roads, this is technology you can trust.
Discover More!
- See how two different Ohio Cities are leveraging VRAM technology across hundreds of projects. Read here.
- Explore the dramatic real-world results of VRAM on ODOT’s US-6 after only seven years. Read here.
- Get connected with our team to explore the possibilities for your roads.
Editor’s Notes
J-Band® is the premier VRAM and a registered trademark of Asphalt Materials, Inc. (AMI). J-Band was created in the labs of the Heritage Research Group (HRG) and is a product of AMI.
The phrase “The Ohio Turnpike – A Better Way To Travel®” is a registered slogan and a proprietary trademark belonging to the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.
