ROGERS : New paving fails test
Posted on Friday, May 9, 2008
ROGERS — Contractors on Thursday tore up a section of the Promenade Boulevard exit off Interstate 540 after the road failed to meet state Highway and Transportation Department standards.
The problem was caused by the asphalt having low density, officials said. Low density can cause roads to wear away quicker than surfaces that have been compacted properly.
APAC-Arkansas Inc. removed a section of asphalt about 200 feet long in two lanes. The contractor was scheduled to begin repaving today, said Jason James, an assistant resident engineer at the Highway Department.
APAC won’t charge for the repairs, James said.
The section of road should be fixed by the end of the day, but James said other matters need to be worked out before the exit opens. The road will serve as the gateway in Rogers to the Pinnacle Hills Promenade shopping center and Mercy Medical Center.
The expected opening date won’t be affected by the paving and remains between May 15 and the beginning of June, he said.
Crews still need to complete landscaping around the exit and grind down bumpy portions of the road.
Exit 82 to Promenade Boulevard cost about $ 1. 8 million, and the federal government paid for most of it, said Steve Glass, Rogers’ planning and transportation director. Construction for the project, which included the demolition of the Perry Road bridge, began in April 2006. Rogers officials said the exit should alleviate congestion along surrounding I-540 exits to New Hope, Pleasant Grove and Walnut. James said drivers need to be aware of barricades keeping vehicles off the bridge and ramps. “It appears some folks are trying to use the road, and it’s not open,” he said. “The road is closed, and there are people out there. It could pose a danger.” The city is expected to hold ribbon-cutting ceremony before the exit opens.
To contact this reporter: aotoole@arkansasonline. com
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