Alachua County tests innovative material to extend road life

Press release from Alachua County

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – The Alachua County Public Works Department recently hosted a field demonstration on County Road 235 to evaluate Mastic One, a new crack-sealing material developed by Crafco Inc., Preservation Products.

The roadway was chosen for the test because of its pavement condition and high volume of truck traffic.

Public Works staff is always looking for innovative and cost-effective processes to extend the life of roads that won’t be repaved for a few years. While this type of treatment is not a long-term fix, it can help slow deterioration and preserve driving conditions until full resurfacing can occur.

The product is a hot-applied mix of polymer-modified asphalt binders and aggregate used to repair larger pavement cracks and surface defects. The material is designed to create a durable, flexible bond that can help extend the service life of existing roadways and allow traffic to resume shortly after application. It has been used successfully in northern states, and Alachua County is now evaluating its performance under local traffic and climate conditions, as part of a broader effort to identify sustainable pavement preservation strategies.

The event was organized and funded by Amy Blaida, a technical marketing manager with Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc., and was attended by public works professionals from nearby agencies, including the City of Gainesville, Levy County, and several smaller municipalities, as well as private contractors.

“The County is paving more roads than ever before, thanks to voter support for the infrastructure surtax in 2022 and the commission’s allocation of more than $250 million over 10 years,” said Public Works Director Ramon Gavarrete. “Even so, not every road can be repaved right away. That’s why it’s important to look for alternatives to help preserve the existing pavement.”

Learn more about the County’s many completed, ongoing, and future road projects.