How Tennessee continues to be recognized for pavement performance

By Jason Wielinski, P.E.

The seventh floor of the James K. Polk building houses the executive level of the Tennessee Department of Transportation in downtown Nashville. A visit to this floor enables one to see some of the rich history of the department, including pictures of major successful construction projects, department leaders and historical maps.

One of the most impressive features is the collection of obelisks that the department has won throughout the years, recognizing their perpetual pavement awards from the Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA). There are 17 of them displayed throughout the level and, very clearly, there is a tremendous amount of pride in their display.

As TDOT continues to be recognized for these superior performing pavements, one must ask: How does it continue to identify and track so many pavements that meet the requirements? The answer is simple: TDOT’s Pavement Management System and their commitment to performance.

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By Mike Anderson, P.E.

Toothpaste has been on my shopping list for a while now. I’ve folded the tube methodically from the bottom and finally, I am reaching the stage in which any further paste still in the tube will require me to fold the top back on itself and use my thumb to press up. I just want to get everything out before I discard the tube.

To be honest, I have the same compulsion with peanut butter, lotion and condiments. I would be afraid to know how much time I have spent in my lifetime on the obsession of getting 100% of the product I paid for. As I have become older and (maybe) wiser I have come to realize that time spent with mustard is not the same as time spent with family and friends. Do I really need to get everything or is knowing that I got most of it enough?

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