EAST TAUNTON, Mass.—As states schedule projects using money from the federal stimulus bill, construction experts say the New England area could make the most out of those funds by recycling existing roads.

“We have a great opportunity here in New England to maximize stimulus dollars by recycling our failed asphalt pavements with cement,” Pat Reardon of the Road Recycling Council of New England, a division of the Portland Cement Association, said. “This process can provide a long life for our roads at one-third to half the cost of normal reconstruction.”

Full-depth reclamation (FDR) with cement rebuilds worn out asphalt pavements by recycling the existing roadway. The old asphalt and base materials are pulverized, mixed with cement and water, and compacted to produce a strong, durable base for a new riding surface.

“This process is a really great way for New England towns to stretch their stimulus dollars.  For example, in Hancock, New Hampshire, Antrim Road was rebuilt with this process and it saved the tax payers more than $100.000,” according to Reardon.

About PCA
The Road Recycling Council of New England works with the Northeast Cement Shippers Association, a division of the Portland Cement Association, to conduct education and public affairs programs throughout the area.

Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.

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