A specialized machine like the one pictured above will deliver high frequency, low-amplitude energy to break up the brittle concrete - Photo provided by Prince Edward County
A major rehabilitation project on County Road 49 will introduce a new road construction method to many residents as crews prepare to begin work later this month.
The County’s contractor, R.W. Tomlinson Ltd., will use a process called rubblization, which involves breaking the existing concrete roadway into small pieces and leaving the material in place to create a strong base for new asphalt.
Work is expected to begin next week with the replacement of road cross culverts. The culvert work is expected to take about four weeks and may cause minor traffic delays.
The rubblization process will involve breaking the concrete, compacting the material with heavy rollers and adding new asphalt layers. The County plans to place two asphalt layers along County Road 49 in 2026, with a final layer scheduled for 2027.
Officials say the process will recycle the existing roadway, reduce transportation needs and help prevent future cracking. Construction will begin near County Road 15 and move south, with at least one lane of traffic maintained during work. Drivers should expect delays of five to 10 minutes.
