What's Black and Foamy and Strong?

A new method of paving is expected to save money and provide for stronger roads.

That's the result staff with the Department of Transportation and Public Works hope to get during a pilot project currently under way on Northwest Arm Drive, Halifax Regional Municipality.

A paving crew is using a process known as Expanded Asphalt Stabilization -- dubbed foamed asphalt -- to pave about 11 kilometres of road.

"Foamed asphalt is an innovative approach to highway construction," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "By trying these new methods, we are looking to get the most value for our paving budget."

The new method works the following way: workers pulverize the existing asphalt road and then use high-pressure equipment to inject water, cement and asphalt into the crushed blacktop. After curing for a few days, another layer of asphalt is applied.

Because foamed asphalt provides a stronger base, this type of paving -- used in Ontario -- is expected to save money on maintenance costs. It also uses less material.

Foamed asphalt is also used frequently on urban roads, where curbing is found on the sides. The foamed asphalt process allows the resurfaced highway to be at an appropriate height to match the curb. Northwest Arm Drive is a good example, as a suburban four-lane highway that links Main Avenue in Fairview with Old Sambro Road in Spryfield.

Dexter Construction Company Ltd. of Bedford won the contract, worth nearly $2 million.

The foamed asphalt work will be completed on Saturday, July 27.