Helping agencies and contractors succeed starts with offering a toolbox of solutions, each addressing specific needs that may be encountered on roads throughout a network. The goal of every project is to select an optimal treatment to extend pavement life and budget. One of these innovative options is eFlex® Premium Micro Surfacing, now part of the Asphalt Materials portfolio.
Developed by Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, eFlex is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Midwest winters, providing superior protection against wear, snowplow damage and early pavement distress. Building on the strengths of conventional micro surfacing, eFlex incorporates highly modified asphalt binder (HP) with significantly increased polymer content, offering enhanced resistance to raveling and an extended service life of 7–9 years. This premium solution is ideal for well-maintained pavements showing early signs of distress and can be applied using the same equipment and crews as conventional micro surfacing, making it a cost-effective solution for agencies seeking long-term value.
Because eFlex is a smart option for Midwestern climates, northern Illinois’ I-90 was an ideal candidate for this treatment. Tollways and their shoulders endure cases of emergency traffic and frequent snowplow activity, making durability and surface integrity a necessity to protect the driving public. Preserving these areas helps maintain safety, reduce long-term maintenance cost and ensure reliable travel for everyday motorists.
Asphalt Materials, Inc. worked with S.T.A.T.E. Testing to put together an evaluation and performance testing plan for this eFlex project, covering two sections of I-90 westbound outside shoulders on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. These sections will be evaluated over the coming years and discussed with the Tollway.
Project Details
- Locations: IL 47 to Hennig Road and Randall Road Interchange
- Supplier: AMI Morris Plant
- Contractor: A.C. Pavement Markings
- Date Applied: October 24, 2025
Application Details
The materials were evaluated in the laboratory before construction to produce a mix design. On top of existing asphalt after the tack coat had cured, eFlex micro surfacing was applied at an application rate of 21 lbs/SY. Within the hour, the material was cured enough to withstand foot traffic.
Specialty Products Manager, Tim Zahrn, was on site for the application. “This late season application will be a good test of the eFlex emulsion as compared to conventional micro surfacing emulsion on the same roadway. The additional polymer for added durability should prove to be more resistant to snowplow damage and withstand the harsh northern Illinois winters.”
Performance Under Real-World Conditions
Following a snow event in early November, the project team reviewed the treated sections to assess snowplow impact. At this point, the material was just over 2 weeks old. The results were encouraging: while standard micro surfacing showed noticeable abrasion, the eFlex sections exhibited only minor surface scuffs. This outcome highlights the value of selecting the right solution for the right conditions, especially in regions where winter maintenance is a critical and frequent factor.
Why Choose eFlex?
eFlex delivers unmatched toughness and reliability. Backed by proven test methods to measure durability, including the Cantabro Mass Loss test (see below), eFlex consistently shows lower abrasion loss compared to conventional systems, ensuring longer-lasting roads even under heavy traffic and severe weather conditions.
“Our customers are always looking for ways to extend their resources, especially with the extreme weather conditions we face in the Midwest,” says AMI’s Technical Product Manager, Ron Arredondo, specializing in guiding customers through successful eFlex applications. “eFlex’s stronger resistance and longer life help solve problems that conventional micro surfacing can’t deliver, giving agencies confidence that they’re choosing a more durable, long‑term solution.”
Finding the Right Solution for Every Network
eFlex is just one of the many treatment options Asphalt Materials offers to help extend pavement life and optimize budgets. We believe in providing customers with a toolbox of treatments in order to select the best fit for their networks. Whether it’s preservation treatments like micro surfacing and chip seal for mid-life roads, or innovative materials in early life like J-Band® added at time of construction, and AMIGUARD™ Rapid Penetrating Emulsion Rejuvenator (RPE-R) within the first few years, our goal is to work alongside our customers to identify the right solution for your roadways and performance expectations.
Interested in learning more about successful pavement preservation? Contact us at marketing@asphalt-materials.com to see how we can support.
J-Band® is a registered trademark of Asphalt Materials, Inc.
eFlex® is a registered trademark of Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions.
