Home / Environment / Utah Recycles Roads, Saves Millions
Utah Recycles Roads, Saves Millions
3 Nov
Summary
- Road restoration uses 90% of existing materials.
- Innovative method saves an estimated $5 million.
- Greenhouse gas emissions and energy use are significantly cut.
A groundbreaking road restoration initiative on US Route 50 in Utah is utilizing cold in-place recycling (CIR), a method that conserves approximately 90% of existing materials and is projected to save $5 million. This innovative technique significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy use compared to traditional repaving methods.
The 35-mile section of US Route 50 between Scipio and Aurora is being revitalized without the need to transport old asphalt away. CIR involves grinding up the old road surface and mixing it with rejuvenating oils and asphalt binders to create a new surface. This process has reportedly cut project completion time by 40% and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 90%, according to UDOT estimates.
While CIR is best suited for low-traffic routes due to lane closures, it offers substantial environmental and economic benefits. A 2018 study indicated CIR can reduce energy consumption by 23%, CO2 emissions by 23%, and water use by 20%. Despite not being a universal solution for all road issues, its application on rural roads could lead to significant nationwide savings. UDOT plans to employ this method again on a rural section of I-70.
