New road paving mix is strong, but spotty

A longer-lasting, more expensive blacktop experts liken to a "granite countertop on the road" just made its debut on two heavily traveled metro highways. But it's so new that an unexpected problem has already popped up.

The new material was installed this fall on Interstate Highway 35E in Eagan and Hwy. 52 through Inver Grove Heights, and to the dismay of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the coarse new pavement has developed unwanted smooth surface spots in dozens of locations.

Read more in the Minneapolis Star Tribune (subscription may be required).