Much of the recognition for upgrading infrastructure in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way often goes to larger cities. However, the success of innovative road rebuilding techniques in the town of Hancock, N.H., with a population of 1,823, demonstrates that even the smallest of towns can save time, money and resources while minimizing environmental impact.
Antrim Road, in particular, posed a problem. A 2,000-ft section of the road has seen three 100-year floods in three years—2005, 2006 and 2007. This road also has a serious groundwater problem, which has damaged the road base and complicated the rebuilding process.
“The challenge of limited resources and an abundance of springtime floods had the town of Hancock looking for rebuilding techniques that were long-lasting and cost effective. Kurt Grassett evaluated many alternatives to rebuilding this road and selected full-depth reclamation (FDR) with cement because it was the most cost-effective and reliable approach,” said Heather Steffek of the Road Recycling Council’s New England region.
Rebuilding Antrim Road using FDR with cement saved the town about $100,000 in 2006. Hancock taxpayers saw further financial and environmental benefits because the existing base and pavement materials, already paid for by the town in previous years, were recycled into the new stabilized base. This environmentally friendly process significantly reduced fuel consumption by reducing the need to ship in new materials. It also eliminated the need to dispose of the old pavement, saving precious landfill space.
“Without the cement-stabilized base, I know I would have lost the pavement and roadway. It acted as a barrier to the erosion that was occurring on the shoulder,” Grassett said.