WSDOT Evaluating Avondale Road Test Patch as a Quieter Pavement Solution
For concrete pavements, the quest for quietness has focused on the use of alternative methods of finishing the wet concrete using textures that produce less tire noise. In addition, a research effort sponsored by the concrete industry has developed a diamond grinding method forexisting pavements that has produced the quietest concrete pavement ever measured. This new method, called Next Generation Concrete Surface (NGCS) is being evaluated at two sites in the state. [AVONDALE ROAD IS ONE SUCH SITE]
A host of factors influences the noise generated by tire and pavement interaction including:
- macro and micro texture
- tire tread configuration
- studded tire wear
- roadway surface openings (voids)
- joints in concrete pavements
- speed of traveling vehicles
SEE MORE DETAILS ABOUT WSDOT QUIETER PAVEMENT TESTING AT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Business/materialslab/quieterpavement
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
This “test patch” seems more like a political favor to me. Check out the neighborhood where they installed it. Tennis courts, swimming pools, perfect streets. Somebody had some influence.
It’s funny approaching that little “test strip” to see all of the speed warning signs and other markers letting us know that the unwashed masses should pass through as though treading on eggshells.
I’d love to know the REAL truth behind the choosing of this location.
The real truth behind the choosing of the test patch location was made by KCDOT after diagnosing the entire stretch of Avondale and determining the area with the highest number of damaged panels. That way KDCOT not only got to test the results of the next generation grinding but also were able to fix the worst section of the road. It truly is a test strip and we have posted the noise results taken since inception. If you are not satisfied with this answer, you are free to come to the Upper Bear Creek Council meeting on 9/27 when Rick Brater from KCDOT will be discussing roads in unincorporated areas. You are also welcome to come to any of our meetings which were and will be posted at this site. We have been working steadfastly with King County for over 3 years to get the entire 2.5 mile stretch of Avondale (the area within Woodinville) upgraded and getting the test patch installed was an important step in the process.
As far as the speed signs are concerned, that is the legal speed for all of Avondale Road in Woodinville and there are speed limit signs at other sections of the road. 40mph is not “treading on eggshells” for a two lane road with neighborhoods, schools, and churches adjacent to it.
People for a Better Avondale
We appreciate your comment for the opportunity to provide more background and information about the improvements being made on Avondale Road. Regarding the speed signs, it has been shown that speed signs significantly slow down traffic and improve safety. After requests by local residents, the county agreed to install signs after much study and pre-planning into the placement of the signs. First, they are energy-efficient solar signs so they had to be placed in clear areas with sufficient year-around light. Next, they had to be placed away from existing signs and zones, such as the school areas and intersections. Finally, the residents in the area of the signs had to be consulted and give approval. To “insulate” a single neighborhood was never part of the equation. The end result is that traffic has slowed down on Avondale and we are very appreciative to the county for their diligence in installing the signs and maintaining them. Whenever they have malfunctioned or needed attention, they have been very quick to respond. Next, about the “test signs” and test strip location, as was mentioned in the previous comment, the location was selected after a thorough study about the optimum area to conduct the test. After the completi0n of the test strip, the signs were installed to let the community know that the grinding strip was being tested and considered as the possible solution for the much needed Avondale repair. We are hopeful that funding will be available soon to allow the remaining section of Avondale to be re-surfaced and know it will greatly and positively impact all the residents and commuters.
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