Corporate Members

Corporate Member Success Stories

J-Band, an Asphalt Materials, Inc Product

J-Band application on the centerline.

In Coles County, Illinois, a targeted roadway improvement project demonstrated how J-Band®, a Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM), know for Longitudinal Joint Sealant (LJS) in Illinois, plays a critical role in both safety and long-term pavement performance.  By reinforcing vulnerability underneath shoulder rumble strips and centerline joints, the county addressed a high-risk for run-off-road crashes while investing in a solution designed to reduce future maintenance needs.

The project focused on a 6.31-mile stretch of Westfield Road (County Highway 32), identified through the Illinois DOT Safety Portal as having a disproportionately high number of roadway departure crashes. With strong alignment to Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) criteria, Coles County secured federal funding to implement improvements that would enhance driver awareness.

Central to the project’s success was the use of J‑Band, an Asphalt Materials, Inc. product, applied beneath both the centerline joint and the shoulder rumble strips. These areas are especially susceptible to water infiltration and cracking — particularly after rumble strips are milled into the pavement. By sealing the pavement structure from the bottom up, J‑Band helps slow crack propagation, protect against moisture intrusion and maintain the integrity of these critical zones over time.

In addition to J‑Band application, the roadway was widened and equipped with rumble strips to alert drifting drivers and provide a safer recovery surface. Thermoplastic pavement markings and chevrons were also installed to improve visibility, especially in curves and low-light conditions. Together, these safety enhancements are supported by the underlying durability provided by J‑Band, ensuring the improvements remain effective for longer.

“Increasing the life of the pavement is always a plus," said Rick Johnson, Coles County Engineer. “Increased density at the centerline and slowing the reflective cracks at the newly created shoulder joints is also a great benefit since the mainline surface and shoulders will be laid in one pass.”

With a solution that enhances both safety and longevity, Coles County’s approach highlights the value of incorporating J‑Band into modern roadway design. By reducing maintenance needs and helping preserve critical safety features like rumble strips, the county has created a more resilient roadway that supports safer travel for the public and reduces long-term costs.

See more projects that leveraged J-Band technology here.