Crews Use New Technology on CO 67 Roadway Improvement Project

TELLER COUNTY—CDOT is using a cost-saving technology on its Colorado Highway 67 overlay project that's touted for its ability to address everything from potholes to roadway fatigue. The technology, cold in-place recycling (CIPR), is not commonly used in Colorado, but it may improve ride quality caused by existing bumps and other depressions.

What makes this process so valuable? Time and money.
The new technology has made the CIPR process a relatively quick, all-in-one endeavor, eliminating much of the truck traffic previously needed for delivering and removing road asphalt.

How it Works

Crews link a 300-foot "train" of vehicles for the operation. They use a milling machine with a paver mixer to mill up a thin amount of the top layer of the old pavement. They then crush and screen it to the desired size. The material then gets mixed with emulsion agents to extend its life before it's spread back over the surface.

Next, compaction is done by a steel-wheeled vehicle, pneumatic-tire or vibratory rollers. The final phase is a traditional hot-mix asphalt overlay, or double surface treatment, that is applied to seal and preserve the recycled pavement layer.

Extensive laboratory research has shown that CIPR is effective in improving performance of the pavement while also reducing overall cost.

One of the only things that could delay the quicker recycling process is the potential for daily rain and colder temperatures.

"It's our goal to be environmentally friendly, and this CIPR process is one way to re-use the current asphalt," said Randy Johnson, chief engineer for the CDOT project. "The cost savings in both time and lack of delays for our customers makes this a very viable alternative."

The CO 67 project has two separate work sites:

1. In mid-July, work began on the 13-mile stretch, Site B—between Woodland Park and Westcreek. But this is not part of the CIPR.
2. The CIPR process is set to begin Monday, July 31, on the 18 miles of road between Cripple Creek and Divide, known as Site A. The "train" will begin from the middle of the area (near mile point 69.3) and move north to Divide, then turn and head south to Cripple Creek.

Surveying and advance bridgework have been underway for the past two weeks on Site A, while the more traditional overlay process is anticipated to be complete on the northern Site B section by Labor Day.

The CO 67 construction overlay project in Teller and Douglas counties takes place during daylight hours at both work sites. Work at Site A (Cripple Creek to Divide) is completed Monday through Thursday, with no weekend work scheduled. Crews on Site B, between Woodland Park and Westcreek, will observe daylight hours Monday through Friday. There will be intermittent lane closures and short delays.

The project team would like to remind everyone to be aware that these areas are very popular with the motorcyclists. Please be aware and follow construction rules of the road.