What are the advantages of being able to “mill” out and replace an asphalt surface layer?
A. The use of milling machines to remove worn out asphalt surfaces that have completed their service life allows for a very cost-effective way to restore a roadway surface to a “like new” condition. The so-called mill-and-fill approach to pavement repairs dramatically reduces the amount of time a roadway needs to be tied up as a work zone with all of the related traffic delays and safety concerns. Milling machines grind out the worn out asphalt then transfer the material to a haul truck for delivery back to the asphalt plant for recycling into new mixes. Much of the grade and slope is restored as part of this process. Meanwhile, immediately behind the milling machine, pavers can replace the removed material with fresh mix and have it compacted and turned back over to traffic in a very short period of time. Another advantage in addition to the short construction time, restoration of grade and slope and ability to reuse the milled up asphalt is the ability to maintain a constant pavement
