TRANSPORTATION

Construction on the King Road Mine is expected to begin in 2011. About 25 acres will be mined each year, delivering quality aggregate for roads and other construction projects in fast-growing markets in Gainesville, Ocala, North Tampa and Northwest Orlando.

Road contractors, commercial developers and homebuilders use millions of tons of construction grade aggregate each year—the type of product that will be produced at the King Road Mine. These contractors rely on aggregate suppliers close to their construction site in order to stay on schedule and control costs. Tarmac America will use trucks to deliver aggregate to road, school, hospital, residential and other construction projects in fast-growing areas of west central Florida.


US HWY 19—“A” SERVICE LEVEL RATING

In order to transport the three million tons of aggregate produced each year at the King Road Mine, about 500 truck trips a day will be required. These trucks will exit the mine site onto King Road and head east to US Hwy 19. From there, the trucks will take a variety of routes through Levy County as they head to their final destinations.

US Hwy 19 has more than enough capacity to handle the additional truck activity from the King Road Mine site. Under the Florida Department of Transportation standards, this span of highway has an “A” service level rating, which can easily handle the increased volume from aggregate trucks.

Two separate, independent traffic studies have been performed, with both concluding that truck traffic from the King Road Mine site will not compromise the “A” service level rating on US Hwy 19.


TARMAC’S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

Tarmac will install acceleration and deceleration lanes on all four corners of US Hwy 19 and King Road, allowing trucks to merge on and off the highway without affecting the flow of traffic. In addition, Tarmac will ensure that all loads are weighed and covered, and the truck’s wheels are washed before leaving the mine site. Finally, Tarmac is committed to utilizing only certified, professional drivers with good safety records.


KEEPING COSTS DOWN

Locations in Florida where limestone exists, such as in Levy County, often are far from adequate rail or port facilities. The only option is moving aggregate by truck. Contractors prefer to buy limestone from a source close to their project, preferably within 50 to 60 miles of the site, to keep costs as low as possible. Hauling aggregate 100 miles is four times more expensive than from 25 miles, adding considerably to the project cost. By using aggregate from local sources, such as the King Road Mine, local contractors are able to keep construction costs down.

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