Asphalt vs. Concrete (Houston: how much, transfer, tax)

[Nairobi]

Does anyone else feel that the mishmash of the types of roadways contributes to the "ugly problem"?

They both have their advantages and disadvantages, but one is certainly more attractive than the other, in my opinion.

[RonnieinDallas]

Neither. I wish Houston had more permeable surfaces for roadways. Bricks and pavers are much more ascetically pleasing and they allow more water to soak in the ground, it would be a solution to many of Houston's problems.

[DSL_PWR]

Concrete for sure. With all the cars/trucks on the roads today as well as 18 wheelers running around and heavy equipment being transferred around asphalt just does not hold up over time. Concrete has been reinforced and structured to withstand the abuse that is put on roadways by all kinds of traffic.

[peacheskitty]

Asphalt cause it sounds so much better

[Weatherguy]

Asphalt feels smoother and is quieter, but doesn't wear as well.

What I hate the most is the "singing" highways. But they have a good safety factor due to the ruts.

In the Seattle area, they use extremely coarse pavement on the freeways. It's so loud that it's difficult to hear the radio/stereo. I guess they use that kind of pavement because of the high percentage of drizzly weather.

[Nairobi]

Originally Posted by Weatherguy

Asphalt feels smoother and is quieter, but doesn't wear as well.

What I hate the most is the "singing" highways. But they have a good safety factor due to the ruts.

In the Seattle area, they use extremely coarse pavement on the freeways. It's so loud that it's difficult to hear the radio/stereo. I guess they use that kind of pavement because of the high percentage of drizzly weather.

...and with Houston having more rain per year than Seattle, you'd think we'd have more asphalt as well. Just imagine how much fewer accidents there would be if the roads had more traction.

[Schumacher713]

I prefer concrete because it lasts longer. It is a long term solution. Asphalt does not really look any better. It is super quiet as someone said. And, I hate brick streets. The noise and vibrations are terrible. They are unsafe to drive on at higher speeds. Water really does not shed like you think it would too. I have brick on part of my street. I avoid it at all costs. Would be fine if I drove a trophy truck.

[houstonfan]

All I want is well repaired -no cracks or potholes- roads.

[Trae713]

Asphalt. Like that it is so quiet.

[Schumacher713]

Originally Posted by houstonfan

All I want is well repaired -no cracks or potholes- roads.

Vote for a gas tax hike then. It has been needed for a while. Like 5 cents a gallon would do wonders for roads and bridges. I would even vote for a 10cent hike.