(Aspen, CO) Pitkin County Engineer G.R. Fielding turned an unpopular chip seal project on McLain Flats Road into a “winner” when his work was recognized this month by the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association. Pitkin County Engineering and its contractor United Companies were presented with the “Best in Colorado” Quality Award for preventative maintenance surface treatments at the 37th annual Rocky Mountain Asphalt Conference and Equipment Show in Denver February 24th.
“I knew when it was time to chip seal McLain Flats road that our local bicycling population would be worried,” said Fielding. “Chip seal, while improving the longevity of underlying pavement, can really make for a rough ride on a road bike. I knew I had to be creative in how we maintained that road.”
To make the chip seal smoother, Fielding specified a quarter inch cover coat aggregate for the top coat creating a smoother riding surface than the standard 3/8 inch aggregate. Feedback from the local bicycling community was positive.
The “Best in Colorado” quality awards are presented annually to “recognize the quality efforts of asphalt producers, contractors and agencies in the State of Colorado. Nominations are judged on overall quality and smoothness.