The United States is traversed by almost two million miles of paved roads and streets. About 96% of them are paved with asphalt. This is not surprising because asphalt has many advantages over concrete. It is inherently durable, recyclable, and inexpensive to construct and maintain. It can be applied to many construction needs because of it adaptability. Asphalt can resist the effects of cracking and weathering; it can withstand the effects of salt and chemicals usually applied to help clear and maintain roads after inclement weather. It is also easier to remove and can be remixed and reused as paving materials for other applications.

When the Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century was passed, more than 20,000 miles of highway in the country was allowed to be repaired and the construction of about 3,000 miles of new road was begun. This was welcome news to the industry as asphalt plants started to produce asphalt paving mixes for the construction of new roads and repair of old ones. The asphalt industry today is trying to use more recycled materials such as adding scrap rubber tires in the design of the asphalt mix. This could help reduce the country’s stock of used rubber tires.