3 Advantages of Asphalt Paving for City Roads

If you're in charge of repaving city roads, you typically need to choose between concrete and asphalt. While both materials have their own advantages, asphalt is quickly becoming a popular choice for all paving needs. Before you make your decision for the roads of your local city, note a few of the advantages of asphalt paving and why it may be the better option.

1. Asphalt provides better traction

The bumpy surface of asphalt provides better traction under ice and snow. For cold areas that see lots of snow and icy conditions, this can mean fewer accidents on the road. The dark color of asphalt also holds heat better than concrete, so this too can allow ice and snow to melt more quickly. This can add to the safety of the surface during wintertime when you choose asphalt, and may also mean saving on the cost of having roads salted or otherwise cleared during wintertime.

2. Asphalt dries and sets more quickly

Asphalt dries and sets very quickly, so that you can often drive on it the next day if not even the same day it's poured. Concrete may take several days and even weeks to dry and set completely.

This is something very important to consider, as you don't want to disrupt city traffic and create detours for any longer than necessary either. Local businesses can suffer a drop in customers when roads are even partially blocked off, as commuters may avoid construction areas. In turn, your local economy may suffer if you keep roads closed or create traffic bottlenecks for any length of time. For the least amount of disruption to traffic and even to local businesses, asphalt can be the better choice.

3. Asphalt is softer and more flexible

In cold weather, concrete may tend to crack as it's so brittle and sections of it may actually even chip off. When the ground under concrete shifts, it can also then crack and chip as it doesn't move with that changing surface.

Asphalt however is very soft and much more pliable. It tends to move with the ground as moisture builds up and drains away, which causes the ground to swell and shrink. Because asphalt is so pliable and soft, this can mean fewer cracks and chips over time. You'll need to repair the asphalt less often than you would with concrete. For tropical areas where the ground gets very moist, this can make it an especially good choice.