Work Begins on U.S. 550

Almost three years ago, U.S. 550 became the first U.S. highway to be covered by an innovative 20-year pavement warranty. Under the 20-year agreement, Mesa PDC, owned by Koch Performance Roads, Inc., has responsibility for pavement performance on the 120-mile stretch of U.S. 550 between San Ysidro and Bloomfield.

During an annual inspection this spring, crews for Mesa observed distresses on four primary areas alongside the highway south of Cuba, in an area where soil conditions had led the company to be watchful for settlement and erosion issues. Earlier this year, contractors from A.S. Horner worked to repair some soil erosion near a bridge, one of the issues identified in Mesa's inspection.

"We've had very good pavement performance on the driving surface," said Mickey Hines, vice president of engineering for Koch Performance Roads and Mesa, who is overseeing Mesa's pavement-management responsibilities.

"But we have experienced some distresses in a few areas south of Cuba, primarily on the sides of the road. The good news for drivers is that these conditions are affecting less than 1 percent of the highway, and primarily alongside the roadway." Hines added that many of the needed repairs have already been completed.