First Highway Pour of C-Crete

In September 2024, a historic milestone in sustainable infrastructure was achieved when a section of Highway I-94 Westbound near Mile 198 in Minnesota became the first-ever highway paved with cement-free concrete (C-Crete)

This groundbreaking material eliminated Portland cement and its associated CO₂ emissions without compromising performance. Motorists traveling westbound on I-94 can now unknowingly witness a material revolution – driving over a surface that reflects the shift toward net-zero carbon transportation networks.

The cement-free concrete achieved a 28-day compressive strength of 5972 psi, exceeding typical highway performance requirements and further validating its structural integrity for transportation infrastructure.

The project progressed from initial discussions to completed installation in just under a month. The fast-track implementation involved rigorous testing by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), independent third-party verification, final approval, material delivery, on-site paving, and curing.

The successful placement demonstrated the practical readiness of C-Crete’s binder technology for use in large-scale infrastructure applications.

Special thanks go to MnDOT, MnROAD, Holcim, Braun Intertec Corporation, Larry Sutter, and all others who played a role in making this pioneering project possible.