BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Transportation’s (NDDOT) Highway 1804 Test Section Project won an American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Committee on Materials and Pavement Innovation Award.
The project treated a 31-mile section of roadway, south of Bismarck, with nine different pavement preservation techniques. The goal is to test and compare the results of each section to determine the best mix for the state.
“The Highway 1804 test project was great opportunity to improve our transportation system and find innovative ways to make the best use of state dollars,” said NDDOT Director Ron Henke. “This project allowed us to try new material and really test the best surface treatment for North Dakota highways. We look forward to getting back results that will help us improve cost and performance.”
Over the next five to ten years this project will be measured by NDDOT’s Planning and Asset Management Division. Properties like ride, distress, and pavement condition will be carefully assessed. The assessment results of each of the nine test sections will be compared based on how they perform and what they cost. The information the team obtains will help to determine what materials are used for future projects.
The innovation awards are given to an individual or team in recognition of outstanding contributions made on a successful Department of Transportation project. Award criteria is based on whether the project was under budget, the best use of innovation, or improvements in quality of life and community development.
For more information on the AASHTO Committee on Materials and Pavement visit https://transportation.org/materials.