ATLDOT to Use Innovative Rubber Modified Asphalt (RMA) on Ellis Street Resurfacing

Nov 17

Pilot project highlights sustainable resurfacing materials in the Downtown Atlanta corridor while supporting market development for scrap tires.

WHO

Solomon Caviness, Commissioner, Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
LaChandra Burks, City of Atlanta Chief Operations Officer
Chandra Farley, City of Atlanta Chief Sustainability Officer
Allie Kelly, Executive Director, The Ray

WHAT

ATLDOT announces the innovative use of Rubber Modified Asphalt (RMA) in resurfacing Ellis Street, a 1/3-mile corridor connecting downtown Atlanta to Interstate 75/85. The pilot project will feature the use of recycled rubber tires in the asphalt mix, with anticipated outcomes of reducing noise, mitigating carbon emissions, minimizing nighttime urban heat island effect, and creating more durable pavement.

Recycled tire supplier Liberty Tire Recycling diverts over 10 million tires each year from Georgia landfills, and across the Southeast. They process tires into granulated rubber at plants in Atlanta, Calhoun, and Jackson, GA. Ellis Street will require approximately 500 tons of rubber-modified asphalt mix—equivalent to recycling over 500 tires from small- to mid-sized sedans. This innovative project demonstrates ATLDOT’s commitment to sustainability, resilience, and Vision Zero principles. The materials pilot project represents a collaborative partnership among ATLDOT, the University of Georgia, The Ray, and Liberty Tire Recycling.

The materials pilot project is a partnership between ATLDOT, the University of Georgia, The Ray, and Liberty Tire Recycling.