Sioux Falls streets improved with new soybean product

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — As all South Dakotans know, maintenance is a constant battle on our roads. South Dakota roads see some of the most extreme weather in the nation, from subzero winters to scorching summers, and asphalt can only withstand so much abuse before it needs repairs. Thanks to research backed by the South Dakota Soybean Council, a new soybean-based sealant aimed at extending the life of asphalt has been tested on streets in Sioux Falls.

RePlay is a soy-based asphalt sealant created by Bargen Inc. in Minnesota. When compared to traditional petroleum-based sealant, RePlay has been shown to be extremely fast and efficient, curing fast and extending the life of asphalt by up to nine years. The SD Soybean Council has worked to help increase the demand for South Dakota’s soybeans and create a secure future for the next generation of farmers.

“When farmers sell their soybeans, they collectively invest a portion of those to research and promotion,” said Jerry Schmitz, SD Soybean Executive Director. “The research has contributed to over 1,000 new uses for soybeans. It has many components that are now used for food, feed for animals, clothing and industry.”

Extending the life of asphalt and preventing major repairs is predicted to reduce the number of repairs needed and save the city of Sioux Falls resources. City officials are eager to test the new product and see what positive changes it could bring for Sioux Falls.

“Our street network is our largest single asset in our city,” said Mayor Paul TenHaken. “We’re looking for new innovative ways to provide sustainable and economically friendly solutions to maintaining our infrastructure in our cities and also our environment.”

The sealant will be applied to a portion of 57^th street and in a residential neighborhood on the east side of Sioux Falls. Unlike other sealants there is no need to repaint the stripes on roadways when RePlay is applied. After application, RePlay will be able to reach up to 1¼ inches beneath the asphalt’s surface, and will cure within 30 minutes.

Switching to an organic product like RePlay will allow cities and rural communities to work together to create a sustainable future that will reduce their carbon footprint, reduce taxpayer costs, and support the agricultural economy of South Dakota.

“This project brings value to this community while supporting farmers in the state,” said South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council Chairman, Tim Ostrem. “Any time that we can partner with innovative people to invest our soybean checkoff dollars in future-forward projects, especially with rural and city partnerships, we call that a win for our growers.”