Ever wonder why most roads and parking lots in New Mexico are paved with asphalt? There are some very good reasons asphalt is the paving material of choice in the Land of Enchantment. Asphalt, also known as bitumen, is one of the most versatile and cost-effective paving materials around. It’s made from a byproduct of oil refining, so it’s plentiful and inexpensive to produce. An Asphalt contractor in New Mexico can provide highly durable and weather-resistant paved area, standing up well to intense heat, heavy traffic, and freeze-thaw cycles. It’s also easy to repair and recycle, so asphalt-paved roads and lots tend to have a long, useful lifespan. If you’ve driven down any road or parked in any lot in New Mexico, chances are you’ve experienced the benefits of asphalt paving firsthand. For road construction in New Mexico, asphalt is really the only way to go.
The Affordability of Asphalt Allows for More New Mexico Road Projects
New Mexico’s hot climate and scarce rainfall mean our roads take a beating. That’s why asphalt is the paving material of choice for our state. Its durability and low maintenance requirements make it ideal for our conditions.
Asphalt pavement is tough enough to handle New Mexico’s temperature extremes, from scorching summer days to frigid winter nights. It won’t crack in the heat or become brittle in the cold like concrete. Asphalt’s flexibility also allows it to withstand the occasional earth tremor without damage.
Low Maintenance a Big Plus
Asphalt requires little upkeep once installed. It doesn’t need sealcoating or patching for several years. When repairs are needed, asphalt is easy to patch and seamlessly blends in with the existing pavement.
Asphalt is also inexpensive compared to other paving materials, so it’s budget-friendly for our state’s road projects. It can be recycled and reused, reducing costs and environmental impact. Nearly 100% of asphalt pavement removed during road work is recycled into new asphalt in New Mexico.
With minimal maintenance needs, low cost, and sustainability, asphalt is the perfect paving solution for our state’s harsh climate and limited resources. Our road crews can focus on building and repairing roads rather than constant upkeep. Asphalt’s durability ensures our road infrastructure will serve New Mexicans and our state’s economy for generations to come.
Asphalt Contractors in New Mexico Have Extensive Experience and Expertise
The affordability of asphalt is one of the biggest reasons New Mexico chooses it for so many road projects. Compared to concrete, asphalt costs much less to produce and install, saving taxpayers money that can be used for additional road repairs and new construction across the state.
Asphalt is made primarily of aggregate like gravel and sand, and bitumen, a byproduct of oil refining. These raw materials are plentiful and cheap. Asphalt can also be recycled, melting down existing asphalt to create new pavement. Around 90% of asphalt removed during road construction is recycled, reducing costs even further.
The installation process for asphalt is also more economical. Asphalt only needs to be compacted and smoothed, which requires basic equipment and less manpower. Concrete roads, on the other hand, need to be poured and cured over days or weeks before vehicles can drive on them, necessitating more resources and time.
With lower material and installation costs, the same budget can cover more miles of asphalt roads compared to concrete. This means New Mexico’s transportation department can repair more deteriorating roads and build new ones to improve connectivity between cities and towns across the state. The savings add up to hundreds of millions per year that can be reinvested in infrastructure.
Affordability is key for a state with such a large road network and limited funds. Asphalt’s lower cost and simplicity allow New Mexico to maximize its road budget, keeping commerce flowing and communities connected across its expansive landscape. For these reasons, asphalt remains the paving material of choice for New Mexico.
