Uncovering Hidden Value: Road Improvement Savings with Buried Treasure
- May 6
- 2 min read
Work on Phoenix highways will save $4B in life-cycle resurfacing costs
More than a decade ago, a pavement rehabilitation process called Buried Treasure started gaining momentum. This preservation concept is a technique used to recover an otherwise structurally sound concrete pavement that was overlaid due to functional deficiencies, such as excessive noise or poor ride.
Today, the Buried Treasure strategy is helping states across the country realize multiple benefits, including reduced costs, improved performance and longevity, and reduced environmental impact.
How it works
Identification: Engineers locate structurally sound concrete pavements that were overlaid with asphalt to reduce noise, improve surface smoothness or act as a "band-aid" fix.
Removal: The existing asphalt overlay is milled off, exposing the concrete surface below.
Concrete Restoration: The exposed concrete is restored using pavement preservation treatments, such as:
Diamond Grinding: Restores smoothness and improves surface friction.
Slab Stabilization: Fixes voids under the concrete.
Full- or Partial-Depth Repairs: Repairs damaged concrete sections.
Dowel Bar Retrofit: Enhances load transfer across joints.
Result: The rejuvenated concrete surface often provides a longer service life at a lower cost than completely rebuilding the road with new materials. For example, in Arizona, the project required only partial-depth repairs and surface grinding, confirming the structural integrity of the underlying concrete and the efficiency of the rehabilitation method.
The approach is highly relevant for states like Arizona, where intense sunlight causes oxidation and deterioration of asphalt, making the concrete underneath a potential "treasure" of usable pavement.
In 2020, the Arizona DOT initiated a pilot project using the Buried Treasure technique on Loop 202 in Chandler, creating a smoother riding surface, lower noise levels and increased surface friction. And that was just the beginning.
According to publicly available bid data software, more than one million square yards of Buried Treasure projects are scheduled in Phoenix for the 2026 construction season. The entirety of the Buried Treasure work on Phoenix’s highways is estimated to be approximately 8-10 million square yards and is projected to save the owner more than $4 billion in life-cycle resurfacing costs.
By applying the Buried Treasure strategy in pavement rehabilitation, municipalities, contractors and civil engineers can reclaim value and optimize budget outcomes. To delve deeper into the benefits of Buried Treasure, read our fact sheet: https://ow.ly/EiX750YUEl1