Paving crews from ACE Asphalt of Flint on Thursday applied another test strip of asphalt on southbound M-24.

One lane on southbound M-24 between Newark Road and I-69 remained closed Thursday after the top coat of asphalt didn't meet Michigan Department of Transportation specifications.Ê

"Whenever they put down a new mix, the contractor will supply a test strip," said Davison Transportation Service Center Manager Mike Hemmingsen of the Michigan Department of Transportation. "They apply the top course, and they're required to stop after applying 750 tons of asphalt."

As soon as the blacktop is applied, MDOT collects samples of it while it's still pliable, said Project Engineer Armando Lopez.

"We grab samples on the street, and its tested in the lab," Lopez said. "We do coring when it's settled."

The recently applied asphalt between Newark and I-69 didn't pass MDOT specifications and the contractor, Ace Asphalt of Flint, wasn't allowed to proceed. The company milled up the test blacktop, left the orange barrels in place, and intended to apply another test strip.

"The paving markings came up it, and because we planned to put in another test strip right away, we left the lane closed," Lopez said. "But unfortunately the rains came."

Crews were applying another test strip Thursday morning. If all proceeds as planned, the project could be complete by the end of June. Motorists will see other lane closures while the project is completed, but they won't face detours, said Hemmingsen.

The three-year project widened M-24 from two lanes to four lanes separated by a median from I-69 to Pratt Road.

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com.