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The Warsaw Street Department began road projects Tuesday, using a material Rex Hedges calls "the best kept secret this side of the Mississippi."
In efforts to rejuvenate streets, the department hired Hedges' company, RejuvTec, Indianapolis, to spray a reclamite material on road surfaces, which will increase asphalt flexibility and longevity for five to seven years.
"There are two things about (asphalt): it will get hard and it will crack," Street Department Superintendent Lacy Francis said. "This process not only buys time for our streets, but repairs them at the same time."
The reclamite, created from petroleum, provides an in-depth seal for asphalt and stops road deterioration. The spray-on process is much less expensive then repaving, and also acquires less time for repair.
Released through a calibrated nozzle, the material is spread onto a damaged road surface by a tank truck and requires approximately an hour to settle before a street can be re-opened. To ensure traction on the newly placed reclamite, the street department will be placing sand on top of the reconditioned roads to provide normal traction conditions.
"The reclamite actually comes out as a pink timer, which dries into a normal road color so we know when it has penetrated the asphalt," Pat McCarty, RejuvTec sales engineer, said. "Just like hand lotion for hands, it prevents shrinkage, which tears surfaces and creates potholes."
Francis said the sand will be swept up roughly 48 hours after the reclamite has been used.
The material causes no damage to surrounding lawns or landscaping, and is non-toxic if touched.
"(Reclamite) started off in California, and with all of California's regulations, you can see how safe and efficient it is," Francis said.
Workers applied the reclamite to seven streets Tuesday, which are now all open again for traffic. One operation will be completed today on Sheridan Street, from Bronson to Lincoln, and work will continue again Friday. Affected residents will be notified at their properties.
"The department is trying to allocate as many dollars as possible to this program," Francis said. "It's a great preventative measure we can use that will save a bunch of money in the long run."
