October 31, 2006
By Ryan Peterson
Albany Capital News 9
Albany County Executive Michael Breslin said, "We're building roads that will last longer, require less material and roads that have better properties in both hot temperatures and cold weather. It's a benefit in every way."
It's something that is good for the environment and saving taxpayers money. A one-mile section of Albany County Route 201 along Stone Road in Guilderland has been paved with rubberized asphalt -- as in rubber from old tires. It's a mixture of that and glue.
Breslin said, "New York State has to get rid of 20 million tires annually. This is a great use for it, recycling them so they're not in our dumps and all over the state in landfills."
The crumbilized rubber additive reduces wear and tear, it performs better in hot and cold temperatures, and it reduces the noise level of traffic driving along the road.
Seneca Petroleum Promotions Manager Hugh Chapman said, "It makes it a lot quieter for the human ear. It takes away the 1,200 megahertz frequency. It really destroys it. Makes it much less noticeable to the human ear."
It's been used extensively throughout the Southwest for more than 10 years. The technology's leading producer, CRM Incorporated, opened its first Northeast facility in Colonie in August.
CRM, Inc. President Barry Takallou said, "We mainly opened up this plant to serve our existing customers in the artificial field, but we're hoping to be able to supply highway construction as well."
The New York State Department of Transportation will monitor the one-mile section over the winter. If the process works, the new asphalt could be approved for use statewide.
