The Kansas Department of Transportation was one of six DOTs selected to receive a 2021 Perpetual Pavement Award: By Design, for a four-mile section of U.S. 281 in Russell County from the Asphalt Pavement Alliance.

The award recognizes newly designed and constructed asphalt roads built over new or reconditioned subgrade that meets criteria. Other state DOTs honored include Arkansas, California, Iowa, Maryland and Washington.

“We were very excited and honored to have received national recognition for this project,” said KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer. “U.S. 281 is a vital truck route that connects oil and gas fields and agricultural and freight products to the region. We will continue to keep making improvements to it through KDOT’s highway transportation programs.”

The two-lane section of U.S. 281 extends from milepost 145 to 149 and was constructed by APAC Shears Division as part of KDOT’s T-WORKS program. It was constructed on an offset alignment around an area that had previously caused issues on the highway.

“One key indicator of quality in construction is a smooth, long-life pavement,” said Amy Miller, National Director of the APA. “Long-life asphalt pavements serve the community, reduce the money needed for maintenance and conserve raw materials.”