The lab is one of the few independent, university-based asphalt facilities in the country that is accredited by AASHTO Re:Source program to test for Aggregates, Asphalt Binder, and Hot Mix Asphalt.

On Friday, May 3rd, Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Francis K. O’Connor visited CAIT for a tour of the Rutgers Asphalt Pavement Lab. Lab Director Dr. Thomas Bennert demonstrated some of the pavement research happening at Rutgers that helps New Jersey build and maintain its roadways and critical transportation infrastructure.

Home to more than 14,000 square feet of laboratory space and $3 million in permanent equipment and set-ups, the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) has one of the largest, most active, and highly respected pavement laboratories in the country.

A team of researchers, asphalt professionals, engineers, and graduate students operate the lab and provide expertise to stakeholders in pavement engineering, mix design, materials testing, and the most up-to-date systems to support data-based maintenance and repair decisions.

CAIT’s Rutgers Asphalt Pavement Lab and the NJDOT have collaborated on numerous research projects over the years, including critical work developing the State’s pavement management system.

Learn more about the lab here, and view photos from the tour below.