Media release from Floyd County, GA:
Floyd County has completed its third roadway project using rubber-modified asphalt (RMA), thanks to a $182,150 grant from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
The grant funded the tire-derived rubber material, specialized equipment needed to produce the asphalt mix, and paving operations for Turner Road. Floyd County crews completed all roadway preparation, including shoulder work and base repairs, before paving. Following a competitive bid process, Blount Construction, operator of Floyd County’s only local asphalt plant, was awarded the contract.
Turner Road, which is 3.05 miles long, now contains nearly 20,000 pounds of recycled tire material, keeping those tires out of landfills while reducing the need for approximately the same amount of virgin asphalt materials.
Rubber-modified asphalt continues to show promising results, including improved pavement durability, increased skid resistance, and a darker pavement surface that helps maintain the visibility of roadway markings over time.
“Working with the Georgia EPD and Liberty Tire has helped us to create a true recycling loop,” said Michael Skeen, Public Works Director. “Tires collected through local scrap tire events are now being repurposed into rubber-modified asphalt, reducing waste while improving our roadways. This approach delivers environmental benefits and helps us build better roads.”
Although rubber-modified asphalt currently costs more than traditional asphalt, the price continues to decline. The cost has decreased from approximately $203 per ton in 2024 to $141.79 per ton for this year’s low bid. The Georgia EPD continues to support these projects to encourage wider adoption of sustainable paving materials and help reduce long-term costs.
Floyd County will continue pursuing innovative, environmentally responsible infrastructure solutions that improve local roads while making productive use of recycled materials.
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