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December 10, 2008
U.S. Route 54 Recognized for Pavement That Stands the Test of Time
MoDOT Wins Perpetual Pavement Award
Camden County – The Missouri Department of Transportation strives to design and build roads with outstanding care and exceptional quality. While the average motorist might not give too much thought about what goes into the asphalt beneath a vehicle’s tires, it is MoDOT’s responsibility to make sure that material is long lasting and serves the public well.
MoDOT was recently honored with a 2007 Perpetual Pavement Award from the Asphalt Pavement Alliance. MoDOT was one of ten transportation agencies across the nation recognized for a roadway segment that demonstrates excellence in design, quality construction, and value to the traveling public. The winning roadways must also have lasted at least 35 years without a structural failure.
The award recognized a 12.5-mile segment of U.S. Route 54 in Camden County, between Route 73 and the bridge over the Niangua Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. The route opened to traffic on August 2, 1970, and over the 38 years has succumbed to nothing more than the usual cracking and rutting that accompanies weather, environment, and an increase in traffic volume.
“In 1985 we did place an inch and a quarter asphalt overlay on the route, but a layer of asphalt that thin does not alter a highway structurally,” said MoDOT Assistant District Engineer Eric Schroeter. “Work like that simply smoothes out the ride and is considered very minor in comparison to the highway’s overall condition.”
The route’s condition is particularly remarkable considering the number of vehicles now using it. Traffic on this section of Route 54 has gone from 2,585 vehicles and 260 trucks per day back in 1970 to 7,390 vehicles and 1,400 trucks today.
“The average lifespan of a pavement varies depending on traffic volume, the physical weight of vehicles using the highway, and weather, environment, and soil conditions,” said Schroeter. “It is truly impressive for this segment of Route 54 to hold up so well for so long.”
Engineers at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) evaluated the nominations and a panel of industry experts validated the winners. The award was presented on November 12 at a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn.
MoDOT encourages public input regarding transportation comments, suggestions and/or concerns. Those wishing to contact the department are encouraged to call our toll-free Customer Service Center at 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) or log onto www.modot.org/central.
