The use of new long-life asphalt materials and speedy paving techniques could help alleviate much of Colorado’s construction-related traffic delays.

The Colorado asphalt paving industry is kicking off an “Orange Cone Initiative,” promoting construction strategies that can help reduce delays and minimize traffic problems caused by upcoming road work.

“The goal in road construction should be to get in, get out and stay out,” said Ken Coulson, president of the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association, and of Loveland-based Coulson Excavating. “Speed and safety should be top priorities, with pavement designs and material specifications geared to long life and low maintenance.”

Modeled after a national effort co-sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, the Colorado-based “Orange Cone Initiative” aims to promote driver-friendly construction, including: contracts with time incentives and penalties to encourage speedy completion of work; improved designs, so roadways hold up longer without repairs; and faster construction methods.

“The days of shutting down a roadway or a couple of lanes at a time are all but over,” said Jeff Keller, of Asphalt Paving Co. “We have to be innovative and responsive to motorists.”

The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association is made up of industry members from around the state, and aims to inform the public about the use and advantages of asphalt roadways. Asphalt paving costs upwards of 30 percent less than concrete, and is significantly faster to complete, resulting in much less disruption of traffic.

“I’m convinced that the use of asphalt pavement to build pavements or to reconstruct and widen projects like the Southeast Corridor can significantly reduce the time of construction, costs and motorist impacts,” said Coulson. “Long-life asphalt designs are available that will ensure the highest level of performance for the longest period of time — with the least traffic disruption.

For more information, contact CAPA at 303/741-6150.