"Green" Asphalt in Chattanooga

City To Participate In Green Asphalt Demonstration
posted June 19, 2007, the Chattanoogan

The city of Chattanooga, along with Astec Industries, Inc., Talley Construction, and Southeastern Materials will be participating in a joint demonstration project using “Green Asphalt” to pave a section of North Terrace Road between McBrien and Germantown roads. “Green Asphalt” involves a process developed by local Chattanooga industry, Astec Industries, Inc. This new process involves reclaiming or recycling up to 50% of the existing asphalt pavement and mixing it with new materials at a lower temperature than previously achievable in the industry. This results in reduced green house gas emissions.According to Astec Industries Chairman and CEO Dr. Don Brock, “this process involves mixing asphalt at lower temperatures than those currently being used. This warm-mix asphalt eliminates the smoke and smell experienced with existing methods. This asphalt mix is equal to or better than the mixes now being used and can save 11% of fuel costs over existing production methods.”“We are recycling existing pavement and this new production method reduces green house gas emissions. This is an innovative technology and one very much welcomed in Chattanooga – especially with our focus on air quality,” said Mayor Ron Littlefield.Officials from the National Center for Asphalt Technology and The National Asphalt Pavement Association will be on hand for the demonstration. This new pavement will have a national and international influence on the asphalt paving industry. Astec Industries, Inc. is a manufacturer of specialized equipment for building and restoring the world’s infrastructure. The company was founded in Chattanooga in 1972 and currently has 3,500 employees. Astec’s manufacturing operations are divided into four business segments: aggregate processing and mining equipment; asphalt production equipment; mobile asphalt paving equipment; and underground boring, directional drilling and trenching equipment.