THOUSAND OAKS : Scrap Tire Rubber to Pave 140 Streets

Thousand Oaks has begun a $3-million road paving project using crushed rubber from approximately 177,000 scrap tires--the largest such project ever in the state, a city official said Friday.

The project, which involves the paving of about 140 streets, will use about 53,700 tons of tires, said city Public Works Director John Clement.

The material, a blend of about 80% asphalt and oils and 20% ground tire rubber, makes for a quieter riding surface and allows the pavement to last longer because of its flexibility, he said.

Clements said the city had been repaving its streets about every 15 years, although most only remained in good condition for 10 years.

With the new project, he hopes city street surfaces will last at least 20 years.

“In the long run it’ll save the city money,” Clements said.

The project will be paid for mostly by city gasoline taxes, city Finance Director Bob Biery said.

Tom Pizza, a city engineer, said the “crumb rubber” mixture is two to three times more durable than conventional asphalt and it helps seal water out of the base material, eliminating cracks and potholes.

The use of scrap tires for paving also is environmentally sound, since tires in junkyards are not only fire hazards but are also breeding grounds for mosquitoes, said Chris Peck, spokesman for the California Integrated Waste Management Board in Sacramento.

Peck said the board will soon adopt regulations that will force a statewide increase in the use of scrap tire material.

The project is scheduled for completion within 90 days.