Our rubberized asphalt freeways--not weathering well (Phoenix: maintenance, tax, live)

[Ponderosa]

I love it. Quiet, smooth and easier on tires.

[lvmensch]

Originally Posted by wase4711

asphalt, is one of the worst things you want on your roads; coming from Illinois,(sorry to bring that up again), with the Illinois Road Builders Association being one of the largest political Lobbyists/contributors to state legislators, they ALWAYS used Asphalt on EVERY major road/highway, since they know it only lasts a short time, and they can be assured of repaving projects every few years because that crap wont last on roads.

why they would bother with it in AZ is a mystery to me, unless it involves financial donations from that group of lobbyists..

Utterly different set of rules. No freeze or snow or ice in the deserts or Phoenix. I do not know the customs in Phoenix but here virtually all the roads are over coated every other year or so and the arterial are resurfaced every three or four years. Generally even a grind off resurface is done in a day or two. Major rebuilds of the roads are very rare.

[wase4711]

agree; so, the question becomes, why bother adding a layer of asphalt on top of concrete, knowing that the 100-150 degree road temps here all summer will just melt the junk...save the money, and just leave the concrete alone..

[thisismyspameamil]

Every time I drive on California's crappy grooved concrete freeways I'm reminded how nice, quiet, and smooth Phoenix area freeways are. I don't know how much more they cost or how durable it is but there's no question rubberized asphalt freeways or whatever they are called are a better driving experience.

I have no source nor do I really care to look one up but I read the idea is for the asphalt to "melt" a little in the summer to help fill in small cracks and keep it smooth.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by wase4711

agree; so, the question becomes, why bother adding a layer of asphalt on top of concrete, knowing that the 100-150 degree road temps here all summer will just melt the junk...save the money, and just leave the concrete alone..

Rubberized asphalt overlayment (which is rubberized asphaltic concrete actually) has been used successfully here for over 20 years now. There are a couple instances where it has failed and various improvements in the mix and methods have been implement over the years. It doesn't melt. It cant even be applied until road surfaces are optimally over 100 degrees. The OP is based on a false premise that it is not weathering well.

[lvmensch]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Rubberized asphalt overlayment (which is rubberized asphaltic concrete actually) has been used successfully here for over 20 years now. There are a couple instances where it has failed and various improvements in the mix and methods have been implement over the years. It doesn't melt. It cant even be applied until road surfaces are optimally over 100 degrees. The OP is based on a false premise that it is not weathering well.

ADOT states it can only be laid down in the Spring and Fall. Cannot be too cold or too hot.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by lvmensch

ADOT states it can only be laid down in the Spring and Fall. Cannot be too cold or too hot.

85 to 145 F. (road surface not air)

[jimj]

I just wish they'd put the darn dots back. I'm so tired of drivers wavering out of their lane at times so close I could adjust their mirror for them. Happens at least 2-3 times per week.
At least with the dots they'd have a clue...

[lvmensch]

Originally Posted by jimj

I just wish they'd put the darn dots back. I'm so tired of drivers wavering out of their lane at times so close I could adjust their mirror for them. Happens at least 2-3 times per week.
At least with the dots they'd have a clue...

Kids claimed it was braille driving. Too drunk to follow the lines you used the the dots.

(No they did not drive drunk...or at least I never could one even close). Had to rescue one a couple of times after they overly enjoyed the juice of the grape. But never driving.

[AZ Manager]

Funny this gets posted the same day they started resealing the 101. Sections we're closed down this morning for it and they should be resealing the entire thing this month. Nice smooth quiet ride on my way home this afternoon.