Route 114 a smooth ride

Driving north on Route 114 in the northern part of Rhode Island? You’re in for a smooth ride according to the Asphalt Pavement Alliance.
This week the alliance awarded the R.I. Department of Transportation as a winner of one of its 2010 Perpetual Pavement Awards. The awards recognize roads that are at least 35 years old and have never had a structural failure. In addition, the average interval between resurfacing of each winning pavement had to be less than 12 years.
Engineers at the National Center for Asphalt Technology evaluated the nominations chosen by a panel of industry experts. In Rhode Island, the award went to a stretch of Route 114 between Mink Street in East Providence and Massasoit Avenue in Barrington.
Other awards went to asphalt roadways in Alabama, Florida, Maryland and Tennessee.
“Even though these pavements have been punished by nearly 40 years of use, motorists are still using the original pavement structures,” alliance co-Chairman Mike O’Leary said. “The extraordinary performance of this pavement is worthy of attention.”
Winners receive an engraved crystal obelisk and a plaque. Their names and the names of the projects will be added to a permanent plaque that is kept at the asphalt technology center.