PERPETUAL PAVEMENT BY DESIGN: EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIA The Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) began recognizing pavements that exhibited the principles of Perpetual Pavement concepts in 2001. Since then, the APA’s Perpetual Pavement Award (PPA) program has recognized over 181 long-life pavements in 32 U.S. states and one Canadian province. Initially, this program focused on existing long-lasting pavements that exhibited these principles through performance. In 2022, APA initiated the “By Design” category to recognize newly designed and constructed asphalt roads built over new subgrades that meet Perpetual Pavement criteria. The APA accepts nominations for new roads that meet perpetual design. The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) reviews and approves the nominations, and qualified projects receive the Perpetual Pavement Award: By Design. In 2023, “PPAs: By Design” were awarded to nine state departments of transportation (DOTs). VDOT submitted the I-66 Outside the Beltway Express Lanes project for consideration in late 2023. This 3.7-billion-dollar project spans over 22 miles, in both east and westbound directions from Route 29 in Gainesville to I-495. The construction project consisted △ continued from page 19 Perpetual pavement concepts represent a forward-thinking approach to road construction, focusing on long-term durability and minimal maintenance. By leveraging advanced design principles, high-quality materials, and strategic maintenance practices, perpetual pavements offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for roadway infrastructure needs. 20 FALL/WINTER 2024
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