RUGBY, N.D. (AP) The state Transportation Department is planning to use a new technique when crews reconstruct a section of U.S. Highway 2 next spring.

"Whitetopping" involves the use of a concrete overlay on existing asphalt. It's an alternative to blacktopping with asphalt.

Some officials say whitetopping has been shown to decrease construction time and create a longer-lasting surface. It's been used at airports and in other small projects that involve limited traffic, and a number of states have begun whitetopping highways.

The state Transportation Department wants to know if it will work in North Dakota. The project next spring will involve about eight miles of road from Berwick to Rugby.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-30-07 0930CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list