A smoother ride between the Twin Cities means part of Interstate 94 is taking the upcoming weekend off. It's closing so crews can resurface it with asphalt. However, the voice of America's cement and concrete industry is running billboards along the highway claiming concrete roads would last longer.
The sign is posted along I-94 for all to see. It says that concrete lasts three times longer than asphalt.
"Studies have shown that asphalt resurfacing in the metro area last exactly eight years compared to concrete a concrete road will last for 25 years before requiring any maintenance," said Doug Burns with the Portland Cement Association.
Burns says the national campaign is designed to attract more maintenance dollars from projects like the resurfacing of I-94.
"Thinner concrete overlays can function like an asphalt resurfacing application, but its proven that they do last longer," said Burns.
Richard Wolters with the Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association says the billboard doesn't tell the truth.
"I don't think it's a fair representation for the taxpayers of Minnesota," said Wolters.
Wolters says in Minnesota and nationally the highway system is 94 percent asphalt.
He says not only is hot-mix asphalt the best buy for the taxpayer its environmentally friendly.
"After some given useful time it can be picked up and recycled back as a portion of new material," Wolters said.
However, Burns points to the new I-35W bridge as to why concrete is durable and cost effective.
"The bridge is a good example of the durability of our material. The I-35W bridge is designed with 100 percent concrete and it's designed to last 100 years," said Burns.
Wolters says resources would be better spent if both the asphalt and concrete industry work as partners.
That way they can address the needs as well as the funding that is going to be required to preserve the county's investment in its infrastructure.
MnDOT says it wants both industries to grow and succeed.
Source: WCCO.com
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