Crews applied an asphalt rejuvenator product to several Coon Rapids streets this week in the area of 121st Avenue and Butternut Street. A lime screening was then spread out over the top to help tack it down to the road surface.
The streets treated on Tuesday are five years old. The City is trying out this technique in small areas, according to Josh Peterson, streets supervisor for Coon Rapids, to see if it extends the life of the road.
"It's penetrating into the bituminous and it's softening up the bituminous so it doesn't get the hairline cracks,” Peterson said. “It is sealing out any moisture, air content. Another thing it does is it fights the freeze-thaw cycle as well as the sun UV (rays), that naturally oxidizes the pavement surface, which makes it more brittle."
After a few days, the lime screening will be swept off the road surface. Residents will be happy to know that the rejuvenator product is non-carcinogenic. City officials say it's okay to drive over but do recommend not walking on it for a day or two.
In September, another neighborhood will get a similar treatment. Over time, the City will monitor how well the asphalt rejuvenator works in preserving the roads.