Lexington officials say the bluegrass community is home to some of the most environmentally friendly pavement in the country. That’s based on using 45% recycled asphalt pavement on roads. Streets and Roads Director Rob Allen said it’s in line with Lexington’s history.
“I haven’t heard of anybody else in the country doing this and we have folks checking it out. It’s very similar as to what we did as far as you know Lexington…the early adoption of the seatbelt law and of course, the indoor smoking ban,” said Allen.
Allen made a presentation to the City Council’s Environmental Quality Committee last week. High recycled asphalt pavement use reduces carbon emissions by 30% in manufacturing asphalt. Council Member Preston Worley said the use of RAP provides cost savings and results in a stronger longer-lasting surface.
Brian Billings is president of ATS Construction.
“Just being a citizen of Lexington, it makes me feel good that we are putting RAP into our mixes at a higher level because why would you throw away something you can use…and that’s what recycled asphalt pavement is,” said Billings.
Lexington is using the highest allowable amount of RAP. The combination of higher recycled asphalt pavement and fiber or polymers to strengthen and extend the life of the pavement is ahead of what other cities are doing.
