The local municipalities throughout the Illinois Valley and Tri-county are discussing road repairs for this year. So I have been doing a little research. This rather long post is my take on why cement is better, cheaper, and more beneficial to our local economy.
I know the price of cement vs asphalt for road repair was briefly discussed at last night's Peru city council meeting. Here is some information I think you will find interesting, and why it is less expensive and beneficial to our local economy to use the cement instead of the asphalt.
Asphalt is $24 a square yard and cement is $52 a square yard. So the upfront costs are greater for cement. According to the federal government interstate highways paved with cement are 13 - 28% less expensive over the life of the road. That may be much less with an in town thoroughfare where the amount and weight of traffic would tend to be much lighter. The cement stands up to wear and tear much longer than asphalt. Maintenance costs of a cement road versus an asphalt one are up to 75%less. The asphalt road will be repaired and/or replaced well before the cement one will. Perhaps more than twice. Federal studies show that concrete interstate highways last 2.5 times longer than asphalt ones. Again the benefit may be greater on a local thoroughfare here because of the aforementioned lesser traffic and weight. Which is more costly? The cement would benefit our local cement industry and the people who work there. Local iron workers and laborers would have work locally instead of traveling out of town or state to find work. In the long run the cement road would last longer, provide business and jobs locally, and allow our local skilled labor force to stay close to home and work.
I know we can't guarantee that da mayor's minions will think critically enough to figure the above out, but the price difference will look good in a newspaper article.
Concrete costs less in the long run!
Federally funded studies show that concrete Interstate pavements cost 13-28% less in the long run than asphalt Interstate pavements.
Recent U of Minnesota studies show that the use of concrete pavement saved up to 19% in the long run over the cost of using and maintaining similar asphalt roads.
The same studies shows that maintenance costs were reduced 75% when concrete was used to pave roads.
Advancements in concrete technology have reduced the cost of concrete paving while improving performance greatly; advancements in asphalt technology (so-called "SuperPave" mixtures) have increased paving costs significantly (even before considering skyrocketing oil prices) with only modest increases in performance.
Concrete lasts longer with less need for maintenance and repair!
No potholes - so concrete pavements stay smoother longer.
No ruts form to fill with water and cause wet weather accidents. Fewer traffic interruptions for repair and maintenance.
Mn/DOT reports that the average life expectancy of their concrete pavements is 27.5 years before repair while asphalt pavements have an average life expectancy of only 15.5 years before repair
Federally funded studies show that concrete Interstate highways around the U.S. last about 2.5 times longer on average than asphalt Interstate highways.
New Minnesota concrete pavement designs are expected to last for 60+ years with minimal maintenance.
Concrete costs less for users, too!
Heavy trucks get up to 20% better mileage on concrete.
Better long-term performance means fewer interruptions and lower user costs.
Concrete roads are not subject to spring load restrictions that increase the number of truck trips or driving distances.
Concrete is quiet!
After years of testing and research, Mn/DOT has adopted concrete paving designs and techniques that make concrete roads as quiet as most asphalt roads, while maintaining superior skid resistance.
Concrete is safer!
Concrete provides better and longer lasting skid resistance.
No rutting or potholes to cause loss of vehicle control.
Concrete offers better visibility on rainy nights.
Concrete is generally less slippery in wet weather.
Concrete is environmentally friendly!
Concrete is completely recyclable.
Concrete doesn't release odorous petroleum products into the air.
Concrete conserves oil, which is used to produce asphalt pavements.
Replacing asphalt pavements with concrete can help to lower summertime temperatures.
Concrete reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it.
The "heat island" effect seen in large cities has been attributed, in part, to the use of asphalt pavements.
Concrete is aesthetically pleasing!
Concrete pavements have a clean appearance and brighten neighborhoods, both day and night!
Concrete can be colored and textured to produce attractive designs and patter
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Agreed!
ReplyDeleteI agree that concrete is superior. Case in point, Bucklin Street in La Salle between First and Third Streets. Due to heavy semi traffic, La Salle chose to repave with longer lasting and more durable concrete.
ReplyDeleteOglesby almost always uses cement.
Why couldn't Peru try this with a portion of Peoria or Shooting Park? Think about it - buying locally, helping out mills out, providing local labor, in 10 or 15 years not have to replace it, and probably never having to fill a pothole during that entire time! More expensive up front, but cheaper in the long run.
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