A celebration today marked the 70-year anniversary of a section of I-10 in California, between Ontario and San Bernardino.
State legislators, leadership of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and construction industry leaders gathered today to commemorate the 70-year anniversary of the concrete pavement freeway, which is both a vital link to business, commerce and personal mobility in the region, and crucial key to the provision of goods and services nationwide.
In recognition of this pavement’s longevity, the California Senate and State Assembly recognized the freeway with a formal proclamation, calling attention to the pavement’s longevity and remarkable service. In addition to carrying some 270,000 vehicles per day, this section of I-10 also carries more trucks with heavier payloads than ever before, the proclamation notes. The proclamation also recognizes the freeway for its “sustainability and resiliency to the forces of nature and man.”
When the original U.S. Route 70-99 was planned in 1945 and built in 1947, Caltrans officials likely never envisioned that it would still be carrying traffic 50 years longer than the 20 years for which it was designed.
In addition to the many features and benefits of this section of I-10, the pavement was also the first in the nation to employ a restoration method called “diamond grinding.” Diamond grinding removes surface bumps and other irregularities, restoring the pavement almost to its new condition. First used as part of a restoration and expansion project on this section of freeway in 1967, diamond grinding has become a time-tested, reliable, durable and cost-effective alternative to resurfacing or reconstruction.
The event, held at the Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center, was co-hosted by CalPortland, Caltrans Region 8, California Nevada Cement Association, Southwest Concrete Pavement Association, with additional support from the American Concrete Pavement Association and Portland Cement Association.
-----------
Story & image source: Caltrans; American Concrete Paving Association
