Concrete costs less in the long run!

• Federally funded studies show that concrete Interstate pavements cost 13-28% less in the long run than asphalt Interstate pavements.

• Recent U of M studies in Olmsted and Waseca counties show that the use of concrete pavement saved up to 19% in the long run over the cost of using and maintaining similar asphalt roads.

• The same studies shows that maintenance costs were reduced 75% when concrete was used to pave roads in these counties.

• Advancements in concrete technology have reduced the cost of concrete paving while improving performance greatly; advancements in asphalt technology (so-called "SuperPave" mixtures) have increased paving costs significantly (even before considering skyrocketing oil prices) with only modest increases in performance.

Concrete lasts longer with less need for maintenance and repair!

• No potholes - so concrete pavements stay smoother longer.

• No ruts form to fill with water and cause wet weather accidents. Fewer traffic interruptions for repair and maintenance.

• Mn/DOT reports that the average life expectancy of their concrete pavements is 27.5 years before repair while asphalt pavements have an average life expectancy of only 15.5 years before repair

• Federally funded studies show that concrete Interstate highways around the U.S. last about 2.5 times longer on average than asphalt Interstate highways.

• New Minnesota concrete pavement designs are expected to last for 60+ years with minimal maintenance.

Concrete costs less for users, too!

• Heavy trucks get up to 20% better mileage on concrete.

• Better long-term performance means fewer interruptions and lower user costs.

• Concrete roads are not subject to spring load restrictions that increase the number of truck trips or driving distances.

Concrete is quiet!

• After years of testing and research, Mn/DOT has adopted concrete paving designs and techniques that make concrete roads as quiet as most asphalt roads, while maintaining superior skid resistance.

Concrete is safer!

• Concrete provides better and longer lasting skid resistance.

• No rutting or potholes to cause loss of vehicle control.

• Concrete offers better visibility on rainy nights.

• Concrete is generally less slippery in wet weather.

Concrete is environmentally friendly!

• Concrete is completely recyclable.

• Concrete doesn't release odorous petroleum products into the air.

• Concrete conserves oil, which is used to produce asphalt pavements.

• Replacing asphalt pavements with concrete can help to lower summertime temperatures.

• Concrete reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it.

• The "heat island" effect seen in large cities has been attributed, in part, to the use of asphalt pavements.

Concrete is aesthetically pleasing!

• Concrete pavements have a clean appearance and brighten neighborhoods, both day and night!

• Concrete can be colored and textured to produce attractive designs and patterns