HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s Office is testing a new road repair method to extend the lifespan of local streets while putting recycled materials to good use. The project marks the first time this technique is being used in Harris County. Precinct 3 crews are installing recycled tire structures as part of the base layer beneath the asphalt. The system uses repurposed tire rings filled with gravel to create a reinforced foundation for the roadway. The steel structure of the tires helps hold base materials in place, which can reduce shifting that often leads to road cracking and potholes. “As a licensed professional engineer for over 40 years, my job is to solve problems in a practical way,” said Commissioner Tom Ramsey. “If we can build roads that last longer, require fewer repairs, and make use of recycled materials at the same time, that’s a win for taxpayers. I’m looking forward to seeing how this holds up and determine if it’s a viable long-term option for our area." By strengthening the base layer of the road, this can improve durability and reduce the frequency of maintenance repairs. Fewer repairs mean saving taxpayers approximately $63,000 per pothole over a decade and keeping crews focused on other roadway improvements throughout the precinct. The project also provides an environmental benefit by giving used tires a second life in infrastructure instead of sending them to landfills or recycling centers. Precinct 3’s Road and Bridge team will evaluate how the new approach performs over time.