Caltrans – SR 163 to I-5 Connector

Project Overview

Caltrans Utilizes 100% RAP “HyRAP®” Hot Mix Asphalt to Address its Core Goals of Cultivating Excellence, Stewardship and Efficiency, Climate Action and Equity and Livability.

As part of its efforts to “accelerate advanced technology,” Caltrans recently embarked on a pilot project to test the use of 100% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) “HyRAP®” hot mix asphalt on a major freeway connector/offramp in downtown San Diego. The project focused on repaving several sections of the SR 163 to I-5 connector including the I-5 Hawthorn Street northbound offramp, which is the main exit to the San Diego International Airport.

“Caltrans is always looking at innovations to improve performance and use more sustainable pavements, while addressing equity and climate action” said J. Shawn Rizzutto, Caltrans District 11 Maintenance Division Chief. “We realize that State law will require emissions return to 1990 levels by 2020 and reach 40 percent below that marker by 2030. To reach these requirements, we need to look at all options, including sustainable pavement options, such as HyRAP® hot mix asphalt”

Caltrans has been a leader in encouraging the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), but until this project, has not used any products that use more than 40% RAP materials. For this project 100% RAP was used, leading to a significant reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs), as it eliminates the need for mining, as well as the production and transportation of virgin aggregates and paving grade asphalt.

“There are direct environmental benefits with the use of HyRAP® hot mix asphalt, providing a sustainable solution for engineers, contractors, and owners. Caltrans strives to lead Climate action by reducing Vehicles Miles Traveled “VMT”. Equity is addressed by the use of HyRAP®, people’s lives and communities are improved by reducing the large RAP piles primarily located in underserved communities. Partnerships between Caltrans and Industry have made the possible, and the plant is improved by reduction of GHG’s, PM10 and VMT reduction,” added J. Shawn Rizzutto of Caltrans.

Caltrans will be conducting construction and performance monitoring of the material in the months to come, to evaluate the HyRAP® hot mix asphalt.

“Caltrans is always looking at innovations to improve performance and use more sustainable pavements, while addressing equity and climate action. We realize that State law will require emissions return to 1990 levels by 2020 and reach 40 percent below that marker by 2030. To reach these requirements, we need to look at all options, including sustainable pavement options, such as HyRAP_® hot mix asphalt”

J. Shawn Rizzutto

Caltrans