Crews are preparing for construction on the Fulton Road Reconstruction - Occidental Road to West 3rd Street project using roller compacted concrete (RCC) technology. This is the first RCC pavement project in Santa Rosa as well as in the Bay Area. Because this is the first use of RCC in Santa Rosa, it is really a pilot project that we hope will demonstrate cost savings, durability and is received favorably by our residents.
RCC has been around since the 1940’s, where it was first used in logging sorting yards due to its strength and longevity. It has since been adapted for use in ports and airports. Technology advancements in the last 10-15 years has enabled its use to expand into roadway projects.
RCC pavement is a cost saving compared to traditional asphalt pavement. Concrete lasts longer than asphalt, we can go 20-25 years with minimal maintenance to a new RCC road, whereas with asphalt, five years later we need to apply some type of resurfacing. There is also a 20% saving on construction costs with RCC and we expect a 30% savings in maintenance costs over the lifespan of the pavement.
In addition to cost savings, some of the benefits of RCC are in its light color. The light color reduces the heat island affect associated with dark pavement, so it is a lot cooler, cooler to walk, ride your bike or walk your pet on. The light color also makes the roadway brighter and improves visibility, especially at night when headlights are on.
RCC is also a rigid pavement that can withstand heavy loads from repetitive traffic. Because it can carry heavy loads, it is less likely to rut, shove or tear from heavy axle loads or breaking vehicles. This is good news for Fulton Road as it experiences a traffic volume averaging 24,000 vehicles daily. RCC pavement is also resistant to fuels, oils, solvents and other fluids significantly reducing its maintenance requirements.
In addition to using the RCC technology, the Fulton Road Reconstruction project will also install fiber optic cable lines to improve traffic signal functionality, install a new sewer manhole, and update pedestrian ramps to current ADA standards. This project is funded in part by Measure M and Senate Bill 1 (SB1). It is estimated to be completed 16 weeks after construction begins in June.
UPDATE: Currently (7.12.19) the north bound #2 lane (closest to the sidewalk) is closed while crews work on the underground portion of the project; replacing deteriorated storm drain pipe and installing new fiber optic lines to improve the traffic signal functionality. The RCC pavement process is scheduled to begin the first week in September. Once the pavement process begins expect DETOURS routing vehicles around the construction area.
Fulton Road Reconstruction - Occidental Rd to W 3rd Street Project Information