| ...March 11, 2008 | Volume 6, Number 2 ... |
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Revitalizing Main Street |
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| ... | The term, "Main Street U.S.A.," for some people may conjure up images of a simple life in idyllic cities and towns. Concrete pavements are increasingly playing an important role in these revitalization projects, largely because of their inherent economic, performance, and sustainability benefits. |
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Concrete Pavements Offer Aesthetic Appeal |
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| ... | Decorative concrete pavements are playing a vital role in revitalizing projects across the United States. Concrete pavements are proving to be the right choice for a growing number of towns aiming for either a fresh, new look or restoring a vintage look and aesthetic sense. "We've seen decorative concrete used on at least 30 to 50 projects in the last 18 months," said Dan DeGraaf, P.E., Executive Director of the Michigan Concrete Paving Association. "The reconstruction of Main Street U.S.A. is big business," said Kevin McMullen, P.E., President of the Wisconsin Concrete Pavement Association. "Cities are hiring architects to design concepts and color schemes." To achieve these effects, concrete pavements can be stamped and colored to match almost any surface—from brick to adobe. Applications have ranged from a driveway in Michigan to a bus path matching surrounding decor in Springfield, Ill. |
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... | Concrete pavements also can be colored and textured to improve safety. For example, officials in Springfield, Ill., chose a bright yellow, stamped section of concrete pavement to serve as a rumble strip. The color and texture delivered an attractive, yet effective warning for approaching school zone, said Jimie Wheeler, Promotional Director for Northern Illinois, Illinois Chapter—ACPA. Colored and stamped concrete pavements also have been added for visibility to |
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| Colored and stamped concrete pavements can help improve safety for pedestrians and motorists. | pedestrian crosswalks and sidewalks on a number of community and downtown projects across the country. | |||
Although the project costs might be a little higher, a growing number of cities are seeing tremendous value and return on the investment. "In many cases, our decision makers are even paying extra for these streetscape projects, knowing their decisions will have a long-term impact," said Dave Sethre, P.E., Executive Director, North Dakota Chapter—ACPA. |
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| ... | Some cities and towns also are exploring the possibility of decorative concrete parking lanes, and high-volume road shoulders. "Newer techniques advanced by manufacturers include roller stampers that can facilitate greater use of decorative concrete," said Randell C. Riley, P.E., Executive Director/Engineer, Illinois Chapter—ACPA. For more information on using decorative or stamped concrete pavement, visit ACPA online at www.pavement.com to contact subject-matter experts from your state or region. |
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Officials in the Village of Little Chute, |
Officials Choose Concrete for Critical Commerce Rehabilitation |
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| ... | For officials looking to revitalize the Biggest Little City in the World's downtown shopping district, the solution was simple: concrete pavement. Concrete pavement's versatile range of decorative and safety features at a cost-efficient price, made it the most appealing option for Reno, Nevada's version of Main Street U.S.A. The end result is a transformation that has revitalized shopping and visiting downtown Reno using concrete pavement. The Virginia Street Improvement Project involved a complete reconstruction of the thoroughfare, from the north side of the Truckee River through 2nd Street. Concrete enhancements included: |
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However, the City didn't choose concrete pavement for aesthetics alone. |
... | Reno chose decorative concrete pavement for a much-needed facelift for its downtown shopping district. (Photo: Granite Construction) | ||
| longer," Mayor Bob Cashell said in an interview with KOLO-TV. The springboard for this project was another street places about nine years ago. ACPA recently recognized the City of Reno for its vision and leadership on the project, one of four major downtown improvement projects to be done in concrete pavement. Last month, the Association presented the City with its prestigious "Main Street U.S.A." recognition award for rehabilitating this key area for tourism and commerce. Specifically, this project "represents the intrinsic versatility of concrete pavement," said Scott Haislip, ACPA's Director of Streets and Roads, in presenting the award. For more information on this and other Main Street, USA-winning projects, contact Scott Haislip at 219-629-3194. |
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About the Award ... |
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The "Main Street U.S.A." award is presented to U.S. municipalities or counties whose commitment to constructing, rehabilitating, or reconstructing streets or roads falls within a larger strategy to beautify or enhance the aesthetic features of an area through the innovative or creative use of concrete pavements. Special consideration is given to projects that result in the revitalization of business or commerce; tourism; attendance of natural or man-made attractions; and other considerations by the Association’s management in terms of enhancing the quality of life in a city or county. Key considerations in selecting recipients include:
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Do you know of an eligible project? Contact Scott Haislip at 219-922-8104.
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The Case for Concrete Intersections, Bus Pads |
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| Concrete pavements are ideal for streets and roads that handle major traffic. Among the key focal points are intersections and bus pads, which typically sustain the most wear and tear due to the stopping, starting, and turning of heavy vehicles. Busy intersections paved with asphalt tend to rut and shove under the stress or load of trucks and buses, but also because of heavy traffic in general. These deformed surfaces not only present safety hazards, but also can be costly in terms of maintenance problems for agencies and vehicle repairs for motorists. |
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| ... | Concrete pavements offer the following benefits at intersections, including: |
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| Concrete pavement intersections withstand the wear and tear of heavy traffic on municipal roads. | ||||
Tools of the Trade |
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| ... | ACPA offers a full range of resources to local officials looking for more information on concrete pavements. |
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• Resources/Publications: ACPA's online bookstore offers a number of affordable guides and instructional tools for streets and roads designers. These include: ... and many more. Click here to learn more. |
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Calling All Professors |
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| Interested in including concrete pavement design, construction, and rehabilitation techniques in your university's civil engineering program? ACPA's acclaimed Professor's Seminar offers college professors and instructors the tools necessary to include this information in their future curriculum. |
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| ... | The 2008 course has been updated to feature more in-depth discussion on technological advances in highway, airfield and municipal road design and construction. The course also will include group exercises and a concrete pavement site visit. |
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ACPA
Concrete Pavement Progress is published 12 times per year and covers current
practices and case histories in the concrete pavement industry. ACPA Concrete
Pavement Progress is distributed free of charge to public officials, ACPA
members, executive committee, board of directors, and affiliated chapter/state
paving associations. |
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American Concrete Pavement Association |
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2008 Chairman,
ACPA Board of Directors |