Yonkers Becomes One of the First Cities in NYS to Use a Durable, Economical & Environmentally Friendly Material for Paving
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the city is working with Peckham Industries to trial an asphalt mix which incorporates Recycled Asphalt Products (RAP) to resurface city roadways. Starting May 12, the new asphalt mix made of 40% recyclable materials will be used to pave Kimball Avenue, from Yonkers Avenue to Hildreth Place. Yonkers is the first city in New York State, outside of New York City, to use this new asphalt mixture.
“Our commitment to a more sustainable and greener Yonkers extends to our infrastructure,” said Mayor Spano. “The use of RAP is a win-win for us. It provides us the opportunity to use a more durable and environmentally friendly material on our streets while potentially saving taxpayer dollars.”
The use of RAP results in a mix that reduces the presence of other non-biodegradable materials in landfills and reduces the use of virgin material to produce the same volume of new asphalt. Current approved asphalt mixes use a maximum of 20% recycled asphalt products to create new asphalt. Peckham Industries’ proposed mix of 40% RAP significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by lessening the need for new oil in the asphalt creation process.
Long term, this durable asphalt product also will help reduce costs for the city. By using RAP, it reduces the need to truck the disposal of millings (waste) and the need to transport the new material to and from mines, factories and/or plants. The National Asphalt Paving Association estimates that $2 billion in taxpayer dollars are saved each year using recycling pavement in infrastructure.
During its two-year trial period, the City of Yonkers will continue to monitor the roadways where the new asphalt mixture is being installed. Should it react favorably, the mixture likely will be used for future capital construction projects within the city.
