ST. LOUIS – Pavement professionals from across the country have trekked to downtown St. Louis for the World of Asphalt, a trade show and conference focused on paving and production trends.
Of the 430 exhibitors showcasing their wares, a Washington, Missouri-based manufacturer says it can solve St. Louis’ pothole problems with a product described as “a Botox injection for the streets.”
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, melting snow and ice allow moisture to seep beneath a pavement’s surface. When water gets trapped underneath and freezes, it expands into ice, causing the pavement to bulge. As the ice melts, the pavement contracts, leaving gaps and voids below the surface.
Add that with the repeated pressure from vehicles driving over these weakened spots, the pavement becomes quite stressed, causing chunks or pieces to break away from potholes.
Lindsey Hermes, president and CEO of BioSpan Technologies, says her company’s asphalt sealant RePlay can stop water from seeping to the pavement and stop the pothole process before it can start.
Hermes says RePlay is nearly 90% bio-based, made from oils produced from Missouri-grown soybeans.
The World of Asphalt runs Tuesday through Thursday at America’s Center, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday.
In the meantime, the City of St. Louis created an interactive pothole map, with the red dots marking potholes that need attention and the blue dots signifying those patched. You can also report a pothole online, on the same web page, and then track the city’s progress.