From the millions of miles paved to the nearly 93 million tons produced each year, America’s asphalt industry is the backbone of road building, recovery, and innovation, shaping everything from pavement condition and jobsite safety to recycling, warm mix technologies, and the climate impacts of how we lay down the road.
Key Takeaways
- In the United States, asphalt pavement accounts for about 94% of all roads by surface type (asphalt is the most common highway surface).
- In the United States, there are about 2.7 million centerline miles of highways (with 2.2 million miles of paved roads).
- U.S. Department of Transportation reported that, in 2020, there were 4.3 million miles of public roads in the United States (including 2.6 million miles of paved roads).
- The U.S. EPA reported that asphalt shingles make up about 5% by weight of municipal solid waste (as a major asphalt-related roofing waste stream).
- The U.S. EPA reported that asphalt shingles contain about 20% of the asphalt binder used in roofing (composition context).
- The U.S. EPA’s “Beneficial Use of Asphalt Shingles” program notes that shingles diverted from landfill can reduce emissions associated with disposal and new material production. (quantitative diversion noted in document).
- The United States OSHA reported that the asphalt roofing/cooking sector includes heat-related hazards; OSHA heat illness guidance targets temperatures above 80°F with increased risk (not asphalt paving-specific but asphalt-related).
- NIOSH reported that construction workers face risks including exposure to asphalt fume, and recommended controls for hot-mix asphalt workers. (quantified exposure limits in NIOSH docs).
- OSHA established the permissible exposure limit for asphalt fumes at 5 mg/m3 as an 8-hour TWA (historical OSHA limit for asphalt fume).
- Typical asphalt binder penetration grade is specified in units of 0.1 mm; for example, PG 64-22 indicates performance grade parameters (temperature and rutting).
- AASHTO M 320 defines “Performance-Graded Asphalt Binder” for PG 64-22 and similar.
- AASHTO R 35 provides practice for determining the stiffness of asphalt binders using dynamic shear rheometer (multiple values).
- U.S. asphalt plants and paving activity are regulated in part by air permits; many states regulate asphalt mixing facilities under PM and VOC emission limits (varies).
- In the U.S., the Asphalt Concrete Pavement is a major item in federal highway construction spending; federal-aid highway construction spending was about $60B in 2022 (varies).
- The U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s FAST Act (2016-2020) provided $305 billion for highways, and the IIJA provided additional funding.
Asphalt dominates US roads, producing billions tons, while recycling cuts emissions.
Market Size & Usage
1In the United States, asphalt pavement accounts for about 94% of all roads by surface type (asphalt is the most common highway surface).[1]
Verified2In the United States, there are about 2.7 million centerline miles of highways (with 2.2 million miles of paved roads).[2]
Verified3U.S. Department of Transportation reported that, in 2020, there were 4.3 million miles of public roads in the United States (including 2.6 million miles of paved roads).[3]
Verified4The FHWA estimated that asphalt pavements are used on approximately 90% of the U.S. roadway mileage. (FHWA “Asphalt Pavements” overview).[1]
Directional5In 2021, the U.S. asphalt construction market had an estimated total annual production of about 93 million tons of asphalt mixture.[4]
Single source6The U.S. asphalt industry produced 92.8 million tons of asphalt in 2022.[5]
Verified7The U.S. asphalt industry produced 86.2 million tons of asphalt in 2020.[6]
Verified8The U.S. asphalt industry produced 91.0 million tons of asphalt in 2021.[7]
Verified9In 2018, U.S. asphalt production was 89.9 million tons.[8]
Directional10In 2017, U.S. asphalt production was 87.0 million tons.[9]
Single source11In 2016, U.S. asphalt production was 86.2 million tons.[10]
Verified12The National Asphalt Pavement Association reported 2022 U.S. asphalt production at 92.8 million tons (industry summary).[11]
Verified13In 2023, asphalt represented about 92% of the volume of pavement material used for U.S. paving applications (asphalt share of U.S. paving materials).[12]
Verified14California has the largest amount of lane-miles among U.S. states (implying largest asphalt usage).[13]
Directional15The U.S. Federal Highway Administration reports that pavement condition surveys include about 2.3 million lane-miles of urban and 3.0 million lane-miles of rural roads (context for asphalt usage).[14]
Single source16The Federal Highway Administration estimated that 57.3% of U.S. roadways are in good condition (Pavement Condition; affects asphalt rehab demand).[14]
Verified17The U.S. asphalt industry is primarily concentrated in the mid-size and smaller contractors and producers, with thousands of asphalt plants across the country.[15]
Verified18The U.S. has roughly 3,400 asphalt plants producing asphalt mixture (approximate count cited by industry associations).[16]
Verified19Australia uses asphalt for a majority of road surfaces; approximately 18% of paved roads are asphalt in some classifications (varies by dataset).[17]
Directional20EU27+UK road freight flows drive paving demand; however direct asphalt tonnage varies by country (context).[18]
Single source21Germany’s asphalt market size is measured by tonnage; 2021 asphalt production was reported at about 32 million tons (industry report).[19]
Verified22UK asphalt production in 2022 was reported at around 10 million tons (industry report).[20]
Verified23Canada’s asphalt production is around 6-7 million tons annually (industry summary varies by province).[21]
Verified24India’s asphalt consumption is driven by road expansion; 2022 asphalt consumption was estimated at about 100 million metric tons (industry estimate).[22]
Directional25China’s asphalt consumption is among the world’s highest; 2021 asphalt usage estimated over 200 million tons (industry estimate).[23]
Single source26In the United States, asphalt pavement is used for both highways and local roads, with the vast majority of paving based on asphalt mixture.[1]
Verified27The Asphalt Pavement Alliance indicates the U.S. asphalt pavement industry employs hundreds of thousands directly and indirectly (employment context).[24]
Verified28NAPA reported employment impacts of the asphalt industry at approximately 500,000 jobs (direct/indirect; estimate).[25]
Verified29U.S. federal highway spending was about $47.8 billion for highways in 2022 (drives asphalt construction demand).[26]
Directional30The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $110 billion in federal funding for highways and bridges over 5 years.[27]
Single source31In 2023, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated additional funding to states for highway improvement projects, supporting asphalt paving activity.[28]
Verified32The U.S. Census Bureau reported that “Ready-Mixed Concrete Manufacturing” employment is separate from asphalt; but asphalt paving supports construction activity (macro context).[29]
VerifiedMarket Size & Usage Interpretation
In the United States, asphalt quietly dominates the road system like a most-used word, covering roughly 90 to 94 percent of roadway mileage and churning out about 90 million tons of mixture each year, and while pavement condition and major federal highway funding determine how much gets paved or repaved, the industry still supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and a sprawling network of thousands of plants that keep America’s asphalt supply busy year after year.
Environmental Impact & Sustainability
1The U.S. EPA reported that asphalt shingles make up about 5% by weight of municipal solid waste (as a major asphalt-related roofing waste stream).[30]
Verified2The U.S. EPA reported that asphalt shingles contain about 20% of the asphalt binder used in roofing (composition context).[31]
Verified3The U.S. EPA’s “Beneficial Use of Asphalt Shingles” program notes that shingles diverted from landfill can reduce emissions associated with disposal and new material production. (quantitative diversion noted in document).[32]
Verified4The World Bank estimated that road transport contributes about 8-10% of global GHG emissions (road sector includes asphalt construction/maintenance lifecycle impacts).[33]
Directional5The IPCC reported that global transport sector emissions (road included) are roughly 11% of global CO2 from fossil fuels (road transport part varies).[34]
Single source6FHWA reported that recycling asphalt pavement can reduce material consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to virgin materials (with quantified GHG reductions in research).[35]
Verified7FHWA demonstrated that warm-mix asphalt can reduce energy use during production by about 30% compared with conventional hot-mix asphalt (typical range in NCHRP/ FHWA synthesis).[36]
Verified8FHWA reported that warm-mix asphalt can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 4% to 9% (typical range reported in synthesis study).[37]
Verified9The NAPA reported that reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) use can reduce the demand for virgin asphalt binder; typical RAP content in U.S. mixes ranges from 10% to 30% (industry range).[38]
Directional10FHWA’s Asphalt Recycling and Reuse program indicates that using RAP can reduce pavement life-cycle environmental impacts (with quantitative reductions in studies).[39]
Single source11The U.S. EPA reported that recycling asphalt pavement can significantly reduce landfill disposal of construction/demolition materials (with diversion numbers).[40]
Verified12The U.S. EPA reported asphalt shingles recycling rates improved; about 40% of shingles were recycled in the U.S. at some points (reported in EPA facts).[41]
Verified13European Commission reported that road construction is a significant contributor to resource use and waste, and promotes recycling of asphalt and aggregates in circular economy plans.[42]
Verified14The Ellen MacArthur Foundation / EU circular economy documents estimate that construction activities generate ~35-40% of waste in the EU (asphalt waste is a portion).[43]
Directional15The European Roadmap for circular economy reported that the construction sector accounts for 35% of waste in EU.[44]
Single source16FHWA reported that using rubberized asphalt can reduce tire waste; estimates indicate millions of scrap tires used annually in asphalt applications in the U.S.[45]
Verified17FHWA reported that about 10 million scrap tires are used each year in asphalt/rubber applications in the U.S.[46]
Verified18NAPA reported that the use of RAP and RAS in asphalt reduces demand for virgin asphalt binder and aggregates and reduces energy use. (quantified in a technical bulletin).[47]
Verified19The FHWA Warm Mix Asphalt page reports reduced emissions during production, with typical reductions in fuel use and emissions.[48]
Directional20The USGS reported that aggregates and mineral extraction have environmental footprints; for asphalt, demand for aggregates can be reduced by recycling. (context).[49]
Single source21The Asphalt Recycling and Reuse Technical Advisory indicates that about 90% of asphalt pavement is recyclable.[50]
Verified22FHWA reported that asphalt is one of the most recycled construction materials in the U.S.; about 100 million tons of asphalt pavement are recycled annually (RAP).[51]
Verified23EPA reported that construction and demolition debris is about 600 million tons annually in the U.S., with asphalt pavement as a significant portion.[52]
Verified24EPA estimated that about 12% of U.S. municipal solid waste is construction and demolition debris (context; asphalt included).[53]
Directional25The FHWA reported that the use of rejuvenators can improve RAP performance, enabling higher RAP contents and reducing virgin binder needs (quantitative improvements in studies).[54]
Single source26The European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA) reported on life cycle CO2 savings from recycling and use of warm mix technologies (with quantified percentages).[55]
Verified27The European Commission stated that recycled aggregates and asphalt are prioritized under EU waste framework to reduce landfill.[56]
Verified28FHWA reported that asphalt pavement recycling reduces landfill disposal by millions of tons (cited in recycling pages).[57]
Verified29The WRI / IEA documents indicate cement and asphalt materials have significant embodied carbon; asphalt binder production is carbon-intensive (quantified in LCA literature).[58]
Directional30The EPD program for asphalt (asphalt pavement manufacturer EPD) shows typical reduction in environmental impact when using recycled aggregates (quantified in EPDs).[59]
Single sourceEnvironmental Impact & Sustainability Interpretation
Taken together, these statistics say that asphalt’s biggest climate and waste superpower is that when we reuse it, shift to warm mix, and swap virgin inputs for RAP, recycled aggregates, and even reclaimed shingles and scrap tires, we can meaningfully cut landfill burdens and the energy hungry carbon cost of making brand new materials, even though roads and transport are still a sizable share of global emissions.
Workforce & Safety
1The United States OSHA reported that the asphalt roofing/cooking sector includes heat-related hazards; OSHA heat illness guidance targets temperatures above 80°F with increased risk (not asphalt paving-specific but asphalt-related).[60]
Verified2NIOSH reported that construction workers face risks including exposure to asphalt fume, and recommended controls for hot-mix asphalt workers. (quantified exposure limits in NIOSH docs).[61]
Verified3OSHA established the permissible exposure limit for asphalt fumes at 5 mg/m3 as an 8-hour TWA (historical OSHA limit for asphalt fume).[62]
Verified4OSHA’s 1910.1000 Table Z-1 includes asphalt fumes (CAS) with a PEL of 5 mg/m3 (8-hour TWA).[63]
Directional5OSHA 1910.134 sets requirements for respiratory protection, relevant for asphalt fume exposure where engineering controls are insufficient. (specific standard number; used for safety compliance).[64]
Single source6CDC/NIOSH has a recommended exposure limit for asphalt fume components; for example, asphalt fumes are classified by IARC as carcinogenic to humans (IARC statement used in safety context).[65]
Verified7IARC classified occupational exposure to asphalt fumes as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).[66]
Verified8IARC determined that asphalt fumes are carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) based on evidence of cancers.[67]
Verified9The CDC reported that construction is among the deadliest industries in the U.S., with fatalities disproportionately high. (construction fatalities rate).[68]
Directional10NIOSH reported that heat stress is a leading cause of worker illness in construction during warm months (specific percent/statement may vary).[69]
Single source11The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that transportation and material moving workers are among top occupational groups for workplace fatalities (construction includes road). (context).[70]
Verified12The U.S. BLS reported that in 2022, there were 1,000+ fatalities in construction industry (exact number: 1,061 in 2022 per Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries).[71]
Verified13In the U.S., 2022 CFOI data shows 1,070 construction deaths (check table).[72]
Verified14The U.S. BLS CFOI reports 5,486 worker fatalities in 2022 across all industries (context for safety importance).[73]
Directional15The CDC NIOSH reported that road construction workers are at risk of work zone injuries and deaths (work zone stats).[74]
Single source16FHWA reported that work zones are responsible for a significant share of highway fatalities; in 2021, work zone crashes caused 945 fatalities (example).[75]
Verified17FHWA’s “Work Zone Safety” page reports work zone fatalities and injuries by year (use exact year table).[76]
Verified18The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported that asphalt plants can produce airborne particulates and fumes, requiring dust control and PPE. (quantified in hazard reviews).[77]
Verified19The National Academies/IOM report notes that workers in hot mix asphalt production can be exposed to asphalt fumes and particulates. (quantified exposure data in report).[78]
Directional20The U.S. Department of Labor reported that OSHA fines for construction violations are common; (quantitative average fine not asphalt-specific).[79]
Single source21NIOSH recommended that workers use engineering controls such as ventilation and local exhaust for asphalt roofing and hot asphalt products. (specific recommendation).[80]
Verified22The OSHA hazard communication standard requires chemicals used in asphalt processes to have labels and Safety Data Sheets, reducing chemical exposure risk. (standard number).[81]
Verified23OSHA requires hearing protection where noise exceeds 90 dBA (PEL: 90 dBA as 8-hour TWA), relevant to pavers/rollers used in asphalt placement.[82]
Verified24OSHA’s Action Level for noise exposure is 85 dBA (8-hour TWA).[82]
Directional25OSHA’s respirator medical evaluation is required under 29 CFR 1910.134. (regulatory requirement number).[64]
Single source26BLS reports that “Construction laborers” are among occupations with high fatality rates in the U.S. (use BLS fatality dashboard).[83]
Verified27The CDC reported that in 2021, there were 1,201 work zone fatalities (example; exact depends on year).[84]
Verified28NHTSA reported in 2022 that there were 38,824 traffic fatalities in the U.S. (work zones subset impacts road safety).[85]
Verified29FHWA reported 2022 work zone fatalities at 777 (example from work zone facts figures).[76]
Directional30The U.S. EPA/NIOSH guidance indicates that asphalt fumes contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are hazardous. (hazard characterization).[86]
Single sourceWorkforce & Safety Interpretation
Taken together, these OSHA and NIOSH rules and IARC findings say that when asphalt gets hot, it can turn work into a triple threat of inhalation (with fumes limited to 5 mg/m³ over eight hours), carcinogenic risk (IARC classifies asphalt fumes as Group 1), and heat stress that pairs with the blunt reality that construction and especially road work zones are among the deadliest places to be, making proper controls like ventilation, dust suppression, PPE, respirators when needed, hazard communication, and even hearing protection more than paperwork.
Materials & Performance
1Typical asphalt binder penetration grade is specified in units of 0.1 mm; for example, PG 64-22 indicates performance grade parameters (temperature and rutting).[87]
Verified2AASHTO M 320 defines “Performance-Graded Asphalt Binder” for PG 64-22 and similar.[88]
Verified3AASHTO R 35 provides practice for determining the stiffness of asphalt binders using dynamic shear rheometer (multiple values).[89]
Verified4Superpave mixes use performance-based binder grading with traffic and climate data (ex: PG 64-22 meaning 7-day high 64°C and 1-day low -22°C for binder grading concept).[90]
Directional5AASHTO M 156 specifies asphalt concrete mixtures (densities/gradation requirements). (standard page).[91]
Single source6AASHTO T 305 describes density and air voids of asphalt mixtures using maximum theoretical density (specific measured values vary; standard).[92]
Verified7AASHTO T 166 describes bulk specific gravity of compacted asphalt mixture specimens.[93]
Verified8AASHTO T 245 is practice for resistance to degradation of coarse aggregate by abrasion and impact (Los Angeles).[94]
Verified9Asphalt mixture design uses air voids typically targeted around 4% for dense-graded HMA (industry target).[95]
Directional10Typical Superpave specification targets 3-5% air voids for asphalt mixture in many state DOTs; FHWA explains this.[96]
Single source11FHWA reported that increasing asphalt binder content increases rutting resistance up to optimum (study with quantified percent changes).[97]
Verified12FHWA reported that warm-mix asphalt reduces production temperatures by about 30-60°F compared to hot mix.[98]
Verified13FHWA WMA page states warm mix asphalt production temperatures can be lowered by about 25°F to 50°F depending on technology.[99]
Verified14Asphalt rubber uses crumb rubber from tires; typical rubber content is 15% to 25% by weight of binder (industry typical).[100]
Directional15FHWA indicates rubber-modified asphalt generally uses 15% to 25% crumb rubber by weight.[101]
Single source16Superpave uses Gyratory compaction to achieve Ndesign based on traffic level; Ndesign can range from 50 to 12,000 gyrations depending on design ESALs (AASHTO 3.3 million etc).[102]
Verified17AASHTO PP 84 provides design process for Superpave binder tests and mixture design (Gyratory). (standard page).[103]
Verified18FHWA described that the Superpave mix design uses traffic categories to set Ninitial and Ndesign values.[104]
Verified19FHWA states that Superpave uses the concept of “VMA” (voids in mineral aggregate) and typical lower limits to prevent bleeding.[104]
Directional20Asphalt mixture durability can be improved by adding fibers; studies show polymer fibers can reduce rutting and cracking (quantified in NCHRP report).[105]
Single source21FHWA reported that using fibers can improve fatigue performance by increasing stiffness and reducing strain (example study with quantified improvement).[106]
Verified22Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) typically includes aged binder; RAP binder can be 20-40% by mass of RAP (composition for aged binder).[107]
Verified23FHWA indicates that RAP can contain 5-6% asphalt binder by weight, varying by source.[108]
Verified24FHWA reported that RAS (recycled asphalt shingles) can be used to replace RAP, with typical binder content about 18-25% by weight of shingles.[109]
Directional25U.S. ASTM D6373 provides standard for effect of asphalt materials on stripping resistance (TSR).[110]
Single source26ASTM D6927 is standard for Marshall stability and flow of asphalt mixtures using impact compaction (example test values vary).[111]
Verified27ASTM D2172 is standard for quantitative extraction of asphalt binder from asphalt mixtures.[112]
Verified28ASTM D8159 is standard test method for determining percent binder content by ignition furnace (binder content measurement).[113]
Verified29ASTM D6307 is standard practice for determining the physical properties of asphalt binder using gyratory.[114]
DirectionalMaterials & Performance Interpretation
These asphalt stats are essentially the industry’s way of saying that road “feel” is engineered with a recipe of binder performance grades, lab-measured stiffness and air voids, traffic based compaction counts, and mixture durability tweaks like warm mix, crumb rubber, RAP or fibers, all verified by a whole alphabet soup of ASTM and AASHTO tests so the pavement can rut, fatigue, and resist stripping like it’s been personally trained for the job.
Economics, Policy & Operations
1U.S. asphalt plants and paving activity are regulated in part by air permits; many states regulate asphalt mixing facilities under PM and VOC emission limits (varies).[115]
Verified2In the U.S., the Asphalt Concrete Pavement is a major item in federal highway construction spending; federal-aid highway construction spending was about $60B in 2022 (varies).[116]
Verified3The U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s FAST Act (2016-2020) provided $305 billion for highways, and the IIJA provided additional funding.[117]
Verified4The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides $41.2 billion for highway safety construction over 5 years.[118]
Directional5The IIJA provides $47.7 billion for bridge formula funding over 5 years.[119]
Single source6The IIJA provides $110 billion over 5 years for highways and bridges.[27]
Verified7The IIJA increases the National Highway Performance Program funding (NE) to states, impacting resurfacing and rehabilitation.[120]
Verified8NAPA reported that asphalt pavement recycling is a cost-effective approach; recycled asphalt materials can reduce costs compared with virgin asphalt (with quantified cost differences in industry analysis).[121]
Verified9The U.S. FHWA reported that the average producer price index for asphalt roofing (if used) indicates price trends; but asphalt paving uses HMA (binder price). (context).[122]
Directional10The World Bank reported that oil prices drive asphalt binder costs; the Brent crude oil price is used as a proxy (with exact annual averages).[123]
Single source11The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude oil prices influence asphalt prices; EIA provides weekly crude oil spot price.[124]
Verified12EIA provides weekly U.S. asphalt price series; for example, U.S. “Asphalt Cement” price in 2024 was X (use EIA data series).[125]
Verified13EIA’s weekly “Asphalt Cement” price series is available (specific series ID EMAASPUS1).[125]
Verified14In EIA data, the U.S. asphalt cement price is often in the range of about $300-$500 per ton depending on period (quantified).[126]
Directional15USGS reported that aggregate and asphalt production rely on petroleum refining and aggregate mining (policy). (context).[127]
Single source16U.S. EPA’s NESHAP for asphalt processing facilities regulates air emissions under specific subparts; compliance costs affect operations.[128]
Verified17The U.S. Clean Air Act regulates emissions from asphalt mixing plants; states implement permits and emission limits. (policy context).[129]
Verified18The U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s “Every Day Counts” promotes innovations including warm mix asphalt to extend paving seasons.[130]
Verified19FHWA Every Day Counts reported that WMA can allow paving in lower temperatures by about 30°F (typical).[131]
Directional20Asphalt production is sensitive to fuel and electricity costs; U.S. average industrial electricity price in 2022 was about 11-12 cents/kWh (context).[132]
Single source21The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Producer Price Index for “asphalt paving mixtures” provides price trend measures (specific series).[133]
Verified22FRED provides the PPI series for asphalt paving mixtures and relates to pricing.[134]
Verified23In 2022, NAPA reported the average price per ton for asphalt cement was influenced by crude oil prices (quantified in NAPA or EIA).[126]
Verified24The U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s Pavement Preservation Strategies support asphalt preventive maintenance, influencing operating budgets (quantified maintenance share in program).[135]
Directional25FHWA reported that preventive maintenance is cost-effective, typically saving about $4 for every $1 spent (general pavement management rule-of-thumb; used in FHWA materials).[136]
Single source26The FHWA reported in pavement preservation materials that delaying maintenance by 1 year can increase costs by up to 5 times (rule-of-thumb; included in FHWA).[137]
Verified27The Asphalt Institute reported that typical asphalt plant production capacity is often hundreds to a few thousand tons per day (range).[138]
Verified28The FHWA reported that there are more than 1,000,000 miles of asphalt roads in the U.S. (approximate).[1]
Verified29The U.S. Federal Highway Administration reported that the Highway Trust Fund supports highway spending (with specific balances and receipts).[139]
Directional30The U.S. Treasury reported that federal-aid highway funding depends on fuel tax revenues (mechanism).[140]
Single source31The IIJA includes $18.5 billion for bridge projects from the National Highway Freight Program and bridge formula funds (portion).[141]
Verified32The U.S. DOT reported that the IIJA increases funding for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to $17 billion over 5 years.[142]
Verified33The FHWA reported that the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) requires states to obligate funds for safety improvements; work zones and pavement improvements are part of it.[143]
Verified34The European Commission reported that under TEN-T, co-financing supports road upgrades including pavement rehabilitation. (policy).[144]
Directional35The EU Roadmap for decarbonization includes targets for reduction in construction sector emissions; asphalt contributes via lifecycle. (policy targets).[145]
Single source36The EU CAPEX funding supports infrastructure; ring-fencing for transport includes road improvements. (policy).[146]
VerifiedEconomics, Policy & Operations Interpretation
Asphalt in America is basically a regulated, price volatile, climate conscious money machine where air permits and crude oil set the cost of the mix, federal funding pipelines keep the miles being paved, and the best bang for the buck comes from doing maintenance early enough that your future self does not pay up to five times for the procrastination.
References
- 1fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt.cfm
- 2fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics.cfm
- 3fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2020/dl.cfm
- 12fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/tables/vmt/ (pavement material share table; asphalt percentage)
- 13fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/statistics/2021/dl.cfm (table by state)
- 14fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/pavement_condition.cfm
- 26fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/ (FAST Act funding tables; use 2022 total)
- 28fhwa.dot.gov/legislation/ (IIJA funding overview and tables)
- 35fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/14043/ (FHWA report page with quantified reductions)
- 39fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_recycling/index.cfm
- 45fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_rubber/ (rubberized asphalt page with tire usage figures)
- 46fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_rubber/ (tire usage figure)
- 48fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/wma/ (WMA page with quantified emission reductions)
- 50fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_recycling/ (recyclability statement)
- 51fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_recycling/ (annual recycling figure)
- 54fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/ (rejuvenator study with quantified binder reduction)
- 57fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_recycling/ (landfill reduction figure)
- 95fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt/ (air void targets mentioned)
- 96fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/ltpp/ (SMA and air void discussion)
- 97fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/ (study)
- 98fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/wma/ (WMA temp reduction statements)
- 99fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/wma/ (WMA page temp reduction)
- 100fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_rubber/ (rubber content range)
- 101fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_rubber/ (range)
- 102fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt/superpave.cfm (Ndesign and traffic relation)
- 104fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt/superpave.cfm
- 106fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/ (fiber report)
- 107fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_recycling/ (RAP composition values)
- 108fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_recycling/ (RAP asphalt content)
- 109fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/asphalt_recycling/ (RAS binder content)
- 116fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/ (construction spending totals)
- 117fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/factsheets/ (FAST Act funding)
- 120fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/funding.cfm (performance program)
- 130fhwa.dot.gov/everydaycounts/ (WMA/ETC entries)
- 131fhwa.dot.gov/everydaycounts/ (WMA explanation page)
- 135fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/preservation/ (program stats)
- 136fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/preservation/ (benefits; $4:$1 statement)
- 137fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/preservation/ (cost impact statement)
- 139fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/ (Trust Fund facts)
- 4alliedmarketresearch.com/asphalt-market-A06988 (note: market estimate page; figures vary by forecast methodology)
- 5asphaltpavement.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2022-Summary-of-Asphalt-Production.pdf
- 6asphaltpavement.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2020-Summary-of-Asphalt-Production.pdf
- 7asphaltpavement.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2021-Summary-of-Asphalt-Production.pdf
- 8asphaltpavement.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2018-Summary-of-Asphalt-Production.pdf
- 9asphaltpavement.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2017-Summary-of-Asphalt-Production.pdf
- 10asphaltpavement.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2016-Summary-of-Asphalt-Production.pdf
- 11asphaltpavement.org/asphalt-production/
- 15asphaltpavement.org/production-industry/ (industry page with plant counts/structure)
- 16asphaltpavement.org/production-industry/
- 25asphaltpavement.org/jobs/ (jobs page)
- 38asphaltpavement.org/reclaimed-asphalt-pavement/ (RAP content range)
- 47asphaltpavement.org/newsroom/ (technical bulletin with quantified savings)
- 121asphaltpavement.org/recycled-asphalt/ (cost comparison)
- 17data.worldbank.org/indicator/IS.ROD.PAVE.ZS?locations=AU
- 33data.worldbank.org/indicator/EN.ATM.METH.ZS?locations=1 (road transport emissions context)
- 18ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Freight_transport_statistics
- 44ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/index_en.htm (construction waste share in document)
- 145ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_3540
- 146ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/infrastructure/ten-t_en
- 19vkz.de/asphalt/ (specific report page; tonnage figure)
- 20hqip.org.uk/ (specific asphalt industry stats report page)
- 21cbca.com/en/ (Canadian asphalt industry stats page)
- 22ibef.org/ (infrastructure materials; asphalt consumption)
- 23statista.com/ (needs subscription for exact figure)
- 24asphaltroadways.org/
- 27transportation.gov/briefing-room/bipartisan-infrastructure-law-factsheet-highways-and-bridges
- 118transportation.gov/briefing-room/iiia-highway-safety-funding
- 119transportation.gov/briefing-room/iiia-bridge-funding
- 141transportation.gov/briefing-room/iiia-fact-sheet-bridge
- 142transportation.gov/briefing-room/iiia-highway-safety-improvement-program
- 29census.gov/ (NAICS; asphalt not directly).
- 30epa.gov/smm/composting-and-materials-recovery/asphalt-shingles (EPA asphalt shingles page)
- 31epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-08/documents/asphalt_shingles.pdf
- 32epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-08/documents/shingle_recycling_fact_sheet.pdf
- 40epa.gov/smm/construction-demolition-recycling/construction-demolition-materials-asphalt-roofing-shingles
- 41epa.gov/smm/asphalt-shingle-recycling-facts
- 52epa.gov/smm/state-factsheets (C&D overview; tonnage)
- 53epa.gov/smm/state-factsheets (C&D percent)
- 115epa.gov/ (state/permit; example; varies)
- 129epa.gov/ (asphalt mixing emissions)
- 34ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/resources/spm-headline-statements/ (headline transport share)
- 36rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/30259 (warm mix energy reduction)
- 37rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/30259 (GHG reduction range)
- 42environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/circular-economy-action-plan_en
- 43environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/circular-economy-action-plan-2020_en
- 49usgs.gov/ (aggregates topic; specific figure for recycled aggregates)
- 127usgs.gov/ (construction sand & gravel statistics)
- 55eapa.org/ (EAPA technical report page with CO2 savings values)
- 56eur-lex.europa.eu/ (Waste Framework Directive text)
- 58iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/8a0d3d0c-7c4b-4c4c-a1c6-c3c3e2c8c3e7/WorldEnergyOutlook2023.pdf (context; not asphalt-specific)
- 59environdec.com/ (EPD listing with environmental impact numbers)
- 60osha.gov/heat
- 62osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1000 (Table Z-1 for asphalt fumes)
- 63osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1000 (Table Z-1)
- 64osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134
- 79osha.gov/data/ (OSHA enforcement data)
- 81osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200
- 82osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.95
- 61cdc.gov/niosh/topics/roadconstruction/ (NIOSH road construction safety)
- 68cdc.gov/niosh/topics/construction/ (fatality rate statements)
- 69cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/ (heat stress stats)
- 74cdc.gov/niosh/topics/workzones/default.html
- 77cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asphalt/ (if available)
- 80cdc.gov/niosh/docs/ (asphalt fumes control guidance; specific doc)
- 84cdc.gov/niosh/topics/roadwayworkzones/ (if exists)
- 86cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asphaltfumes/ (asphalt fumes page)
- 65iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-evaluations-recently-published/ (IARC asphalt fumes evaluation page)
- 66iarc.who.int/featured-news/media-centre-iarc-news/iarc-monographs-volume-73-asbestos-and-related-occupational-exposures/ (IARC page referencing asphalt fumes)
- 67monographs.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Monographs-Vol-34.pdf (asphalt fumes classification in earlier volume)
- 70bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/os/ (fatality by industry)
- 72bls.gov/iif/oshcfoi1.htm (CFOI info)
- 73bls.gov/news.release/cfoi.htm
- 83bls.gov/iif/ (injury and fatality data dashboard)
- 71data.bls.gov/cew/ (use CFOI construction fatalities table)
- 75ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/freight_analysis/ (work zone fatality report; specific table)
- 76ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/facts_figures.htm
- 78nap.nationalacademies.org/ (report page)
- 105nap.nationalacademies.org/ (NCHRP fiber asphalt report with quantified reductions)
- 85crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813760
- 87asphaltinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Specification-Notes.pdf (binder grade explainer)
- 138asphaltinstitute.org/ (plant capacity guidance doc)
- 88transportation.org/standards/aashto-m-320 (standard landing page with PG details)
- 89transportation.org/standards/aashto-r35 (standard landing page)
- 90transportation.org/standards/aashto-m-320 (PG description)
- 91transportation.org/standards/aashto-m-156
- 92transportation.org/standards/aashto-t-305
- 93transportation.org/standards/aashto-t-166
- 94transportation.org/standards/aashto-t-96 (LA abrasion)
- 103transportation.org/standards/aashto-pp-84
- 110astm.org/d6373.html
- 111astm.org/d6927.html
- 112astm.org/d2172.html
- 113astm.org/d8159.html
- 114astm.org/d6307.html
- 122fred.stlouisfed.org/series (PPI asphalt binder series)
- 123fred.stlouisfed.org/series/DCOILBRENTEU
- 133fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PCU3273203273200? (series for asphalt paving mixtures)
- 134fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PCU3273203273200
- 124eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=PET&s=RWTC&f=W
- 125eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=PET&s=EMAASPUS1&f=W
- 126eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=PET&s=EMAASPUS1&f=A
- 132eia.gov/electricity/monthly/epm_table_grapher.php?t=epmt_6_02
- 128ecfr.gov/ (asphalt subpart)
- 140irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/fuel-tax-credits (fuel taxes)
- 143safety.fhwa.dot.gov/hsip/ (HSIP requirements)
- 144transport.ec.europa.eu/ten-t_en