Safer surface takes wet weather exam

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The new asphalt appears to have passed the test Tuesday. A car seems to know exactly when it crosses over the old onto the new asphalt. The wheels sound different, there's less water on top of the road and the ride is smoother.

"It was easier to drive on in the rain, definitely," said driver Laura Seale.

What is making the drive easier is new asphalt called Permeable Friction Course or PFC . It is pourous asphalt that lets the water drain through instead of floating on top, making the drive easier and safer.

"If you look at it, it doesn't look nearly as wet. Water doesn't pond on it. Hydroplaning drops dramatically," said John Hurt, TxDOT public information officer.

This past summer, TxDOT spent $3.5 million to resurface northbound and southbound sections of MoPac between FM 2222 and Enfield Road.

KXAN News asked one driver if he felt a difference.

"Yeah, I drive it every morning, you bet," said driver Thad Henry.

Further south on MoPac, the road is wet but there's less water on top. On the shoulders, instead of pools of water, there are just small puddles.

"The road spray from the vehicles in front of you almost disappears. The road, instead of seeing the shiny oncoming headlights, you no longer see them because the road has a dryer appearance," said Henry.

TxDOT has also used the PFC asphalt on RM 1431 just west of Cedar Park and on Highway 183 in Williamson County.