Concrete can expand or contract with changes in temperature, so pavements are divided into slabs to prevent uncontrolled cracking and to allow them to move independently. Dowel bars are smooth round bars which mainly serve as load transfer devices across concrete joints and are placed to allow movement to take place without affecting the integrity of the pavement.  IHC is using epoxy coated dowel bars on Weld County Road 49.  These bars have a specialized fusion bonded epoxy that coats the entire bar including the ends, providing superior corrosion resistance similar to stainless steel at a fraction of the cost and ensures the longevity of the roadway being constructed.  This project is the first project in the region to utilize these specialized bars.