The Concrete Advantage in Highway Construction
Concrete is always the first choice for highway pavement. Consider these advantages:
- Long-lasting concrete means fewer traffic delays due to maintenance work, saving motorists and businesses time and money. Plus, it reduces air pollution caused by traffic stalled for road construction.
- Concrete’s rigid surface provides safer traction and fewer potholes to help prevent accidents and injuries.
- Concrete’s excellent light reflectance provides greater visibility and safe travel.
- Concrete holds up better under commercial traffic—making it the preferable choice for heavy load-bearing vehicles.
- Concrete pavement lasts longer. A study conducted at Michigan State University’s Pavement Research Center for Excellence showed concrete interstates lasted nearly twice as long as asphalt counterparts. Concrete, on average, had a life of 24.2 years, while asphalt had an average lifespan of 12.4 years.
- Research shows that taxpayers spend significantly less to maintain roads over the lifespan of concrete pavements. A report by the American Concrete Pavement Association, “A Comparison of Pavement Performance and Costs, Interstate 40, Tennessee” indicates that concrete pavements provide a 2.1 to 2.5 times longer service life; 13 to 21% lower lifecycle cost; and 11 to 21% better benefit/cost ratio.
- Still not convinced? Then click here to see the results of a head-to-head test of concrete vs. asphalt on U.S. 30 in Ohio. Concrete yielded better results for taxpayers and drivers.