Virginia Pavement Smoothness
b'In this episode of Pave It Black, we discuss pavement smoothness and the benefits of smooth asphalt pavements. Richard and Brett talk with Kevin McGhee of Virginia Department of Transportation Research Council and Tanveer Chowdhury of the Virginia Department of Transportation about how VDOT specifies smoothness for newly constructed asphalt pavements as well as how the department uses smoothness measurements to help manage their pavement network. Kevin shares how smooth pavements save road users money by reducing their vehicle\\u2019s fuel consumption, further explaining that the cost of VDOT\\u2019s smoothness program was easily offset by fuel savings from just truck traffic in the first year of traffic on the newly constructed pavements with the specification. Tavneer also shares that smooth pavement lasts longer and stays smoother longer, providing the agency with lower maintenance costs over the life of the pavement. The conversation also includes a discussion about how impactful pavement smoothness is when looking at global warming potential of pavements during the use stage.'