Speed of Construction Vital in Rebuilding Original Pennsylvania Turnpike

This article describes the asphalt repaving of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a roadway originally opened for use in 1941 and paved entirely of concrete. The level of deterioration of the road has led constructors to rebuild it from the subgrade up, with about one third of the total length of the Turnpike already having been overhauled. The 10-year project has been scheduled to cost $4.3 billion, which will be funded by toll fare rather than governmental taxes. The new surface is three times thicker than the old surface, with a two inch Superpave course, a three inch Superpave binder course, and an 8-10 inch bituminous concrete base course, a four inch permeable base course, and, lastly, 6-8 inches of sub base. The article also discusses the construction of various sections of the roadway completed as of 2007, with information given on asphalt used, contractor names, and timing concerns.

• Authors:
  • MacDonald, Chuck
• Publication Date: 2007-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 8-10, 12
• Serial:
  • HMAT: Hot Mix Asphalt Technology
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Axle load force; Construction scheduling; Pavement design; Superpave; Toll roads
• Identifier Terms: Pennsylvania Turnpike
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01050242
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 2007 7:29AM