Route 131-Roadway Reclaim Project
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To help answer questions, and to have a better understanding of the Route 131 project, VTrans has provided the following handout on June 3, 2021.
ROUTE 131 CAVENDISH-WEATHERSFIELD
Roadway Reclaim Project
Overview: dRehabilitation of Vermont Route131 in Cavendish and Weathersfield, beginning at the intersection with Vermont Route 103 and extending easterly for 9 miles to the intersection with Vermont Route 106. This project also includes improvements to areas that sustained substantial damage as a result of Tropical Storm Irene.
Overview of the Reclaim Process: Full-depth reclamation of asphalt pavement, also referred to as FDR, is a rehabilitation method that involves recycling an existing asphalt pavement and its underlying layer(s) into a new base layer. The process begins with milling a desired depth of the existing asphalt surface, pulverizing the remaining asphalt pavement and a portion of underlying base, subbase, and/or subgrade, grading the roadway and adding gravel. Then a second reclaim pass is made, uniformly blending the roadway subbase and added gravel with an additional stabilizing material (such as cement) to provide an upgraded, homogeneous material. Finally, the stabilized material is compacted in place with rollers, and then the new roadway subbase is paved with one base layer of recycled asphalt pavement, an intermediate layer of asphalt pavement and a final(wearing course) layer. Pavement treatments may vary by project depending on traffic volumes and the types of traffic present (light, heavy, truck, etc..)
“Why do they use so much gravel?” The amount of gravel varies from project to project and is used for a variety of reasons. The primary use of additional gravel is to raise the road surface and adjust for banking in curves to meet current design standards for the posted speed. Gravel can also be used to supplement a lesser quality existing road base to provide a stronger internal structure that prolongs the life of the road.
“Why can’t the road be done in sections? Why does the whole length of the project have to be torn up?” In order to maintain the integrity of the subbase of the roadway, the entire length of the roadway must be done at the same time. Otherwise, the integrity of the roadway will be compromised at the “joint” of each section. Segmenting the roadway would also lead to longer project durations and higher costs as some operations take longer than others and could not be evenly staggered leading to additional mobilization.
“How long will the road be torn up?” The remaining work for this project is scheduled for completion in October of 2021. Remaining work includes:
•Adding gravel to the roadway subbase (June)
•Grading and correcting roadway elevation deficiencies (June)
•Second-pass reclaim (June-July)
•Paving of base courses of asphalt (Late June-July)
•Paving of the intermediate course of asphalt (Late July)
•Paving of the final (wearing) course of asphalt (mid-late August)
•Signage, roadway markings, guardrail and remaining project work (late August through October
“Who Should I contact if I have Questions?” Please contact Natalie Boyle, Public Information Consultant, with questions or concerns, to receive project updates and alerts, and to remain informed of the progress on the project and what to expect.
Contact Information: Natalie Boyle
802-855-3893