USER-FRIENDLY METHOD TO REBUILD AN URBAN PAVEMENT

Rebuilding a busy commercial street is no simple task. While the engineering may be straightforward, the logistics seldom are. However, careful, sequential staging of construction activities can keep traffic flowing, as demonstrated in the small town of Delavan, Wisconsin. When it came time several years ago to completely rebuild a 4,500-ft (1,372-m) section of Route 50, widening it from two to four lanes and installing a new storm sewer system and curbs and gutters, the needs of the community were a concern. The project began with milling the existing asphalt off an old, worn portland cement concrete road. Installation of a new storm sewer followed. As soon as the sewer was installed and backfilled, the old concrete pavement and road base were removed. Excavation work began at the west end of the project and proceeded east. Paving work began as soon as it was feasible. Curb and gutter grades were checked twice before paving began to avoid costly adjustments. After approximately half of the length of the project was paved with the base course of hot mix asphalt (HMA), the subcontractor for the underdrain began working. Total reconstruction was finished in 8 weeks, offering proof of the advantages of HMA and maintaining good relations with the local businesses and taxpaying motorists.