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New road resurfacing technique saving taxpayers money

Posted at 3:06 PM, Jul 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-20 02:52:52-04

The cities of St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach are experimenting with a new road resurfacing technique that will cut costs and extend the life of roads. Its called micro-surfacing. Crews spray an asphalt rejuvenation slurry mix onto the surface of the street.

The micro-surfacing is designed to rejuvenate the surface of the street and bring it back to an almost new condition for 7 more years. The city says it is extremely cost effective and has less of an impact on drivers because they don’t have to fully rip up the street for repairs.

Now, other local cities, including St. Pete, are using micro-surfacing as a good alternative to having to remove the street and put down brand new asphalt.

This week, St. Pete Beach is resurfacing 73rd Ave from Blind Pass to Gulf Blvd, 73 Ave from Sunset to Coquina, 72nd Ave from Gulf Blvd to Coquina, 71st Ave from Gulf Blvd to Bay, 71st  Ave from Gulf Blvd to Beach, Bay St from Corey Ave to the south dead end, Aloha Dr. from 55th Ave to the cul-de-sac, Leilani Dr. from 55th Ave to the cul-de-sac, Pali Way from 55th Ave to the cul-de-sac, 55th Ave from Gulf Blvd to the cul-de-sac,  64th Ave from Gulf Blvd to Sunset Way, Sunset Way from 64th Ave to 67th Ave and Punta Vista Dr. from Gulf Blvd to the dead end.

The city says the total cost for those streets is $158,367. To replace the roads would cost quadruple that amount, according to Public Works Manager Mike Clarke.

Only streets that are in moderately good condition qualify for micro-surfacing. Streets in worse repair still have to be patched or replaced.

St. Pete also recently experimented with micro-surfacing for the first time in the Edgemoor Neighborhood.

Many other local governments are looking into the new option to save taxpayer’s money and extend the life of roads.