As reported by NRMCA Senior National Resource Director Jon Hansen in late May, a number of school districts were looking at concrete options for replacing their existing asphalt parking lots. One of the recently completed projects is a high school parking lot in Tyler, MN, for the Russell-Tyler-Ruthton (RTR) public school district (shown here at right).

The 56,000 square foot project was bid in early May as an asphalt mill and overlay, but due to efforts of NRMCA producer member Buffalo Ridge Concrete and the North Central Portland Cement Association’s pavement engineer April Stier, the project was rebid in June as a concrete overlay, Hansen reports. A history of ongoing maintenance and repair cost associated with owning the asphalt parking lot, along with the safety of better lighting with long lasting concrete were benefits the business manager and school board considered when switching to concrete.

The parking lot was paved with 3.5 inches of concrete after sweeping and air blasting the existing asphalt. Joint spacing was 6 foot o.c. cut with early entry saws. The mix included 1.5 pounds of polypropylene fiber per cubic yard. The project was constructed by Carstensen Contracting of Pipestone, MN, and will be ready for the first day of class on Monday, August 20.