The 2016 maintenance paving season saw one of the largest changes in VDOT surface mix specifications (SM-9.5 and SM-12.5) in an effort to improve overall mix durability.  The revised specifications include a reduction in design gyrations (65 to 50), increase in VMA percentage (1%), and inclusion of aggregate gradation changes.  These changes are part of a longer term effort to extend the service life of asphalt.  In May, a VDOT task force will consider additional ways and methods to extend asphalt’s service life.  This task force of VDOT and industry representative will look at on-going efforts around the U.S. and consider what additional changes should be made to Virginia’s asphalt mixes and specifications.