FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 29, 2016
Contact: Brandon Strand (608) 609-8024

Milwaukee Earns Asphalt Innovation Award

Department of Public Works recognized for High Impact Paving Program

Madison – The Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association (WAPA) announced today that the City of Milwaukee were recipients of the 2016 Local Government Asphalt Award for advancing innovation in asphalt pavements. The Department of Public Works (DPW) was recognized today (November 29) at a ceremony during the association’s 57th Annual Conference in Madison, WI.

In 2012, the City of Milwaukee introduced the High Impact Paving Program to remove surface distresses, extend pavement life, and improve ride quality. High impact paving projects typically only take a day or two to finish while traditional road construction can take months to complete.

By performing quick, short-term repaving throughout the city, DPW has been able to remove and replace cracking roads and deliver the driving public a smooth driving surface. Asphalt’s smoothness increases fuel-efficiency and decreases vehicle wear and tear, saving drivers money.

“Asphalt’s speed of construction makes it easier to build and maintain roads, resulting in minimal delays for the public,” said Brandon Strand, Executive Director for WAPA. “Fewer delays minimizes congestion and saves the state economy millions of dollars each year in wasted fuel, time, and productivity.”

The High Impact Paving Program focuses on the roadway itself, not nearby curbs, gutters or sidewalks. It’s estimated that high impact paving projects extend the life of a road by seven to 10 years, as opposed to costly reconstructions.

“It’s a short-term fix but we commended the City of Milwaukee for stretching their budgetary dollars to pave more miles with the same level of funding,” Strand said. “They are being cost-effective without sacrificing pavement performance.”

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“Asphalt. Wisconsin rides on us.” Established in 1948, WAPA is a statewide, non-profit organization representing the interests of the asphalt industry. WAPA members serve the Wisconsin DOT, counties, municipalities, towns, commercial, and private customers. WAPA’s mission is to keep asphalt the number one choice for pavements by building quality roads in a safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective manner that is in the best interest of the customer and the state.

For more information, please visit www.wispave.org or contact Brandon at strand@wispave.org