Asphalt Alternate Lower but Project Goes PCC
For Immediate Release: April 1, 2009
Sometimes, even when you win, you lose.
Because of the volatility of the construction materials market, the Ohio Department of
Transportation, ODOT, chose to experiment with alternate bids for pavement type on
some major projects. On these projects, contractors were required to submit bids for both
the asphalt and concrete pavement alternative designs. This is different than in the past,
when ODOT sometimes solicited “optional” bids; that is, contractors could submit a bid
for either the asphalt or concrete at their option. These projects also did not include
ODOT’s customary asphalt price adjustment provision.
One of these alternate bid contracts was the Lake County, SR 2 – 3.32 project bid January
28, 2009. The bidding results on this project were the subject of an article in the
Cleveland Plain Dealer on April 25, 2009 that was widely noted by national news
services.
On the Lake SR 2 project the low asphalt pavement bid was $27, 018,532.14.
The low concrete pavement bid was $27, 449,512.39.
These amounts include all the bid items of work that differed because of the pavement
type and are based on an analysis of all of the bids received for the project.
But, even though there was an asphalt pavement bid that was $430,000 less, the project
was awarded to the contractor with the concrete alternate; because his total project bid
was lower overall. Even with the alternate bid items, ODOT is still obligated to take the
lowest total project bid. In other words, the successful bidder was determined by lower
prices for work other than the pavement.
So, even with the recent volatility in petroleum and asphalt commodity prices, asphalt
pavement remains an economical choice. When you consider the long life and low cost
of maintenance of a deep asphalt base pavement, the choice looks even better.
Date: February 26-28, 2025 Location: Ohio University Lancaster Campus ; 1570 Granville Pike; Herrold Hall, Room 102; Lancaster, OH 43130 Flexible Pavements of Ohio (FPO) offers this training course to prepare individuals having basic lab familiarity to take the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Level 2 Asphalt Technician Exam. Individuals who pass the written test will be scheduled for the practical laboratory exam. Select the link for course and registration information or register online below.
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Event Location: Columbus/Polaris Hilton Hotel, 8700 Lyra Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43240 The Asphalt Expo is Ohio’s premiere asphalt pavement event with multiple concurrent educational sessions and an indoor and outdoor trade show and exhibition. If you construct, inspect, manage or maintain local or private transportation infrastructure the Ohio Asphalt Expo has the information you need to ensure a successful, long-lasting asphalt pavement. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Columbus/Polaris at a special conference rate. The special room rate will be available until the group block is sold-out. Select the link to access the conference room reservation page, contact the Hilton directly at (614) 885-1600 or visit www.hilton.com . ↧ 2025 Ohio Asphalt Expo Registration Form ↧ 2024 Ohio Asphalt Expo Program- New! ↧ 2025 Ohio Asphalt Expo Exhibitor Memo ↧ 2025 Ohio Asphalt Expo Exhibit Space & Sponsor Registration Form ↧ 2025 Ohio Asphalt Expo Indoor Exhibit Layout ↧ 2025 Ohio Asphalt Expo Outdoor Exhibit Layout ↧ Hilton Hotel Exhibitor Services Order Form
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 Event Location: Fawcett Center, The Ohio State University; 2400 Olentangy River Rd.; Columbus, OH 43210 Online registration for this training is closed. Please contact FPO at (614) 791-3600 or info@flexiblepavements.org for additional information. The Ohio Asphalt Paving Conference is a collaborative effort of state and local government, academia and the asphalt industry to present practical, usable technologies and strategies for the design and construction of asphalt pavements. The 2024 OAPC is offered as either an in-person or virtual event. Please select your participation preference during registration. Registrants for virtual participation will receive an email with a link to access the event. Virtual registrations will not be accepted after January 31, 2025 to accommodate the distribution of information to access the online event.
Comprehensive Asphalt Mix Design School
Date: October 2-4, 2024 Location: Ohio University Lancaster Campus ; 1570 Granville Pike; Herrold Hall, Room 102; Lancaster, OH 43130 Online registration for this training is closed. Please contact FPO at (614) 791-3600 or info@flexiblepavements.org for additional information. Flexible Pavements of Ohio (FPO) offers this training course to prepare individuals having basic lab familiarity to take the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Level 2 Asphalt Technician Exam. Individuals who pass the written test will be scheduled for the practical laboratory exam. Select the link for course and registration information or register online below.
Flexible Pavements of Ohio (FPO) is accepting nominations for the 2024 Quality Asphalt Paving Awards, the Ecological Award, and the Master Craftsman Award. Nominations for the Quality Asphalt Paving Awards are being accepted for work performed during the 2024 construction season. Quality Asphalt Paving Award nominations are being accepted for Ohio Department of Transportation/Ohio Turnpike Projects, Local Roads or Streets, Commercial Parking Facilities, Special Use Pavements and Airport Pavements. The Ecological Award was established to recognize asphalt production facilities that best demonstrate safe and responsible environmental practices. Facilities will be judged on design layout, clean operation, maintenance performance practice, and community awareness activities. The Master Craftsman Award recognizes contractors whose work has stood the test of time. The winner of this award will be acknowledged for a commitment to quality workmanship, exhibited by exemplary pavement performance. The award recipient will be selected from pavements with an existing surface course having given acceptable service for 15-years or more and continues to provide exceptional service. Select the link for additional information including award nomination forms and eligibility requirements. Nominations for all award categories must be received at the FPO office by October 21, 2024 with a final deadline for award nominations on November 18, 2024. Please contact Andrew Gall at (614) 791-3600 or by e-mail at andrew.gall@flexiblepavements.org with any questions regarding the awards program.