Enhanced safety and reduced costs on I-70 project

A recent pavement preservation project on I-70 in Montgomery County, Missouri, highlights how innovative engineering can enhance roadway safety while delivering significant cost savings. Selected as the project contractor by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), IGGA member Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) sought a solution that would meet the rigorous safety demands of a high-speed interstate while maximizing the efficiency of their preservation budget.

The project’s original scope specified an Ultra-Thin Bonded Asphalt Wearing Surface (UBAWS), a type of friction course designed to improve skid resistance. Instead, ESS chose to apply longitudinal grooving across 345,649 square yards of existing asphalt. This decision eliminated the need for a new material layer, directly addressing safety goals by improving the pavement’s surface texture in a more efficient manner.

The substitution had a considerable financial benefit. The project saved MoDOT $606,563 from the total project value of approximately $6.1 million, reducing costs by nearly 10%. By choosing a pavement preservation technique that reuses the existing surface, ESS maximized the project budget without compromising on safety or quality.

The technical advantages of safety grooving are well-established. The grooves cut into the pavement act as channels to divert water from beneath vehicle tires, which reduces the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions. This process also improves the road's macrotexture, providing better grip and vehicle control. As a preservation method, grooving restores critical safety features and extends the service life of structurally sound pavements.

This project serves as a model for transportation agencies seeking to balance safety mandates with fiscal constraints. For a more detailed analysis, including technical specifications and outcomes, read the full case study here: https://ow.ly/7nAS50YrLLX