Asphalt's Speed of Construction

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Paving with asphalt cuts construction project time significantly and eliminates the long curing times of concrete. As a result, traffic flows more smoothly, impact on commerce is minimized, and safety hazards are reduced.

How it works

Asphalt paving projects can be planned and carried out to take advantage of low-traffic periods, like nights and weekends, minimizing the project’s impact on motorists, residences and businesses.

In one state highway department comparison, asphalt crews placed more than 10 times the pavement surface that a concrete contractor did. The asphalt was placed in 11 nighttime-only shifts, while the concrete work went on around the clock for 12 days.

Major advantages

Asphalt projects are safer, because the work can be carried out during low-traffic periods to minimize worker and driver exposure to construction zones. And, a shorter project time simply increases safety. Asphalt is ready for traffic right after it is compacted and cooled, meaning that roads don’t have to remain closed for curing. This enhances traffic flow and minimizes closures and delays that frustrate motorists and cost money. Impacts on businesses are dramatically reduced when roadwork is completed rapidly.

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Source: Asphalt Pavement Alliance