Citing Steep Asphalt Prices, States Delay, Cut Road Work

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ising asphalt prices have caused at least five states to delay or cancel road resurfacing projects, which could have an adverse effect on commercial vehicles, transportation officials said.

While prices vary by region, asphalt costs have increased as much as 27% the past year in some areas, said Argus Asphalt Report Editor Nasreen Tasker. Argus Asphalt Report is part of oil industry publication Petroleum Media.

She said climbing oil prices and higher bids for paving projects were the two factors prompting states to postpone or cancel road maintenance and resurfacing plans.

“States scale back because they only have so much money [allotted] for road projects,” Tasker told Transport Topics. “Until Congress passes a new highway bill, states won’t know how much money they have to spend on roads."

For the full story, see the June 27 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.