New pothole patching method saving ODOT money and providing better quality patches for longer term

Spring in Ohio usually means pothole repair season, but this year, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 11 is reaping the benefits of a pilot project it began last year in Tuscarawas County. Last March, Tuscarawas County crews began testing a new method for patching potholes – a spray injection technology – that is now paying dividends.In material costs alone, the county realized more than $21,000 in savings from the spring of 2010 compared to March 2011 through March 2012.ODOT District 11 Deputy Director Lloyd MacAdam, P.E., P.S. said, “After one year of studying its effectiveness, we’ve determined that this technology provides a better quality patch that lasts longer and is more efficient than using the old-fashioned quick fixes associated with cold and hot mixes. It reduces the need for repeat repairs in the same location as well as provides for greater productivity by our workforce.” Instead of workers with shovels, tampers and hot mix, this modern system cleans the area, applies a tack coat, sprays the emulsion/aggregate mix into the pothole with sufficient force to compact the material as it is applied and then follows with dry aggregate to prevent lifting.Using this technology also eliminates downtime by employees waiting on trucks to arrive with material from asphalt plants and reduces the waste of materials. Cold and hot mix products cool down too quickly, creating wasted material in truck beds. Additionally, this technology can be used year-round; whereas, hot mix is only available typically April through October.MacAdam said, “Because of the success we’ve seen to date, motorists may begin to see us using this technology elsewhere across eastern Ohio this summer. We are acquiring two more spray injection units, which will give us three total machines that can be used throughout our seven counties where they’re needed the most.” District 11 maintains more than 3,300 lane miles of roads and over 1,000 bridges. Ohio’s highways are essential to keeping and creating new jobs. With a mission to provide easy movement of people and goods from place to place, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for maintaining one of the largest transportation networks in the nation. Guided by ethical principles and accountability, ODOT works to improve safety, enhance travel and advance economic development. As a $2.8 billion enterprise, the department wisely invests in its core services of snow and ice removal, annual construction program and highway maintenance operations.