[SportyandMisty]

What is the deal with the blacktop / asphalt around Las Vegas??

Compared to everywhere else I've been, the asphalt leaves black pitch on the bottom of my shoes (not gummy - just really really dirty & black), and of course even though I wipe my shoes at the front door mat, it seems I track black pitch from the asphalt into the house & onto the carpeting.

Is it just me - or does this seem strange?

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by SportyandMisty

What is the deal with the blacktop / asphalt around Las Vegas??

Compared to everywhere else I've been, the asphalt leaves black pitch on the bottom of my shoes (not gummy - just really really dirty & black), and of course even though I wipe my shoes at the front door mat, it seems I track black pitch from the asphalt into the house & onto the carpeting.

Is it just me - or does this seem strange?

It's just you. Ha ha.

Unless you're talking about the middle of August when the black top sometimes gets soft from the heat. But you must have encountered some new black top. Or it may have been an area that was just freshly sealed. They made our neighborhood stay off of that for 24 hours, but it may stay soft for a few days more.

[Okey Dokie]

It's not just you - I also noticed this when I was in LV in January and February. I believe due to the low amount of rain, there's just more buildup of crud on streets, parking lots, etc.

[sheriwx]

I think I know what you mean. I just figured it was because we lived in the city now, whereas our last town was much more rural.

[FrostyThe2nd]

Yes I notice that as well. In addition, I notice that Las Vegas streets are really good at reflecting the sunlight during sunrise and sunset. I get blinded while driving on east-west streets during these hours. I don't see this in any other city. Why is that?

[mario826]

I have also noticed this, if fact I was thinking about making a thread about it, I have been to Phoenix (where it gets the same heat and doesn't rain) and the street is gray not pitch black like Vegas, it actually makes the city look dirtier because it stains the white concrete on the gutters, sidewalks, and street paint markings/cross walks, and also into people driveways, just look.

[stevereject]

I too noticed the streets here are way darker than anywhere else. Maybe a higher tar content?

[aggrofish]

The only way I know how to describe the roads around vegas is "greasy." They're like bad slicks with a few too many laps. The roads really make riding sportbikes tricky. Even the tiniest bit of throttle with any lean will cause your tires to spin or the rear end to kick out.

I dont know what it is, but it's like they have too much oil in them.

[suetalks]

As someone who made the mistake of putting light carpets in our Vegas home I know exactly what you are talking about. We found we could NEVER wear shoes inside. Found out real quick and were very careful. A neighbor came to use our phone and when he left the carpet had black tracks and a black spot where he stood. When we packed to go East we had to bag/wrap all shoes, the bottoms were black.
I said I know what you mean, but we never did figure out why it is so much worse there.

[mario826]

anyone in the paving industry know why?