New traffic sign: Green triangle

Add comment November 10th, 2009

When I drove on the now-six-lane Interstate 90 last week, I saw some kind of green sign – with too much text for me to read while driving safely.

So I looked it up. According to the Illinois Tollway, it is going green by recycling roadway materials in construction.

By Building Green, the Illinois Tollway is demonstrating its commitment to being a good environmental steward as we complete rebuilding and widening projects systemwide by the end of 2009,” said Acting Executive Director Michael King. “Recycling roadway materials is a cost-effective way to maximize existing resources without compromising our commitment to the highest construction standards.”

According to the press release, since the 2005 launch of the $6.3 billion Congestion Relief Program:

– The tollway has recycled 100 percent of existing pavement into construction projects across 120 miles.

– More than 5 million tons of pavement has been recycled – 3.2 million tons of concrete and nearly 1.8 million tons of asphalt – enough to fill Soldier Field nearly three times. In addition, about 230,000 recycled scrap tires were used in materials for new shoulders and pavement. 

– Up to 90 percent of each new roadway base consists of recycled concrete.

– Contractors are required to use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel on construction equipment over 50 horsepower.