Concrete That ‘Eats’ Smog? MoDOT Testing It Out In West County

[The Straight Story]

Concrete That ‘Eats’ Smog? MoDOT Testing It Out In West County

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (KMOX) - The Missouri Department of Transportation and contractor Fred Weber Inc. have begun laying down a new type of concrete on a section of Route 141 between Ladue Rd. and Olive Blvd.

After laying down a normal layer of concrete, crews then apply a photo-catalytic additive of titanium dioxide.

Jesse Jonas, resident MoDOT engineer, explained how the so-called “smog-eating” concrete works.

“It just acts as a sponge,” Jonas said. “It takes those pollutants, holds them in there, and when the sun comes out the UV rays from the sun activate the cement and it breaks it down into harmless products.”

http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2011/10/24/concrete-that-eats-smog-modot-testing-it-out-in-west-county/

[MadHound]

1. That's nice and all,

Don't get me wrong, I love advances such as this. But as one who daily drives on Missouri roads and highways, it would be nice if the money used on this were instead used on maintaining and repairing the roads that are already down. On particular road that is the responsibility of MODOT is currently crumbling into gravel, and it costs me in car and tire wear.

[liberal N proud]

2. Missouri roads have a history of being less than great roads

I remember growing up in Iowa, driving to Missouri and roads were night and day. I also recall living in Missouri for 20 years and driving those roads. Later years they did improve, then fell into disrepair on my most recent trips. Drove a federal highway in northern Missouri that in most places wouldn't even be used as a minor county road.

[RegieRocker]

4. is that so?. Doesn't cost much to maintain Iowas gravel roads.

http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/32968/

In the top 5

[liberal N proud]

5. Drive US 136 across the top of the state.

Narrow, winding (which could be fun in the right car) and poor surface conditions most of the distance.

There are others in the central part of the state (can't recall names) that are just as poor. Your report focuses on intertstate highways which are as it says much improved. I drove I70 for years and watched some improvements over the years.

I still love Missouri though and would move back in an instant.

[RegieRocker]

6. The poorest counties in Missouri are in the northern section.

I visit Iowa often since my wife is from there.

[liberal N proud]

7. Worth County

I believe it is one of the poorest in the nation.

[RegieRocker]

3. 141?

[applegrove]

8. This nanotechnology is good.