Livable Communities
There is no doubt that societal trends and economic realities will shape the pavement market going forward. Those driving factors include public funding issues, an emphasis on sustainable growth and livability, environmental stewardship, employment trends and future supply/capacity. Accounting for all of these factors, asphalt pavements are perfectly positioned to address the future needs for livable, thriving communities, from freeways to residential streets as well as the other “everyday” infrastructure all around us, such as bike trails paved with asphalt.
Asphalt in Livable Communities
Because asphalt is a renewable, sustainable material, it is environmentally friendly. What may not be apparent because of its functionality and utilitarian role in our everyday lives is that asphalt pavements are key to creating safe, sustainable, livable communities – places where people have multiple transportation options.
- All the modes of travel – buses, van pools, personal vehicles – all run smoothly on well designed and maintained asphalt pavements.
- Asphalt pavements are the economic and functional choice for Park & Ride and Carpool parking lots.
- Asphalt underlayments help high-speed trains stay on track and help in the maintenance of the trackbed.
- Smooth pavements with bright markings – Asphalt pavements are the perfect surface for bicycles and pedestrians alike.
- Porous asphalt can be used to manage stormwater without sacrificing precious land for retainage basins.
Jobs in Asphalt
The asphalt pavement industry is a leader in the construction and maintenance of America’s road and highway transportation network. While asphalt pavements serve a national market, they are built by people who live and work in the areas that they serve. Asphalt jobs truly are Main Street/Family Wage jobs that cannot be outsourced overseas. Asphalt jobs are also green jobs – Asphalt pavements are America’s most reused and recycled material and virtually every worker in the industry is involved in reuse and recycling in some way. The asphalt pavement industry is proud to support the people who rely on our country’s infrastructure as well as those who have made the industry a career choice.
Why Asphalt?