Rubber-modified asphalt could make roads last longer, but it’s rarely used locally
Rubber-modified asphalt, which incorporates recycled tire rubber into the binder used to hold asphalt together, has been used for decades in parts of the United States.
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Drivers across the tri-state area are accustomed to seeing roads repaved, resurfaced and patched as agencies battle potholes and pavement deterioration. But a road-building material that supporters say could significantly extend pavement life remains largely absent from local projects.
Rubber-modified asphalt, which incorporates recycled tire rubber into the binder used to hold asphalt together, has been used for decades in parts of the United States. Manufacturers and advocates say the material creates quieter roads, improves durability and can extend pavement life by as much as 40% compared with traditional asphalt.
The technology begins with recycled tires that are processed and blended into asphalt mixtures. Supporters say the added rubber gives road surfaces greater flexibility, helping them absorb the stress caused by heavy traffic.
"Rubber-modified roads, no matter the usage, are going to last longer," said Stratton Kirton of Liberty Tire Recycling.
According to Kirton, the rubber helps pavement withstand the weight and impact of cars and trucks by compressing and then returning to its original shape.
"When a heavy truck drives over it, it depresses it," Kirton said. "In this case, you have rubber mixed in and that rubber takes that weight. It compresses but it also bounces back, and that's what really protects the road."
Advocates argue that flexibility is key to preventing cracks and potholes that often develop as pavement ages. They also point to environmental benefits, since the process repurposes discarded tires that might otherwise end up in landfills.
Rubber-modified asphalt has been used extensively in states such as California and Arizona. More recently, it has appeared in projects in New Jersey and New York City.
Despite its track record elsewhere, transportation agencies in New York and Connecticut have not embraced the material on a large scale.
The New York State Department of Transportation said decisions about paving materials are based on several factors, including product availability, traffic demands and environmental considerations.
In a statement, a department spokesperson said, "NYSDOT does allow the use of performance grade rubber modified asphalt but it has not been utilized in recent years."
Connecticut transportation officials cited concerns about cost and performance.
A spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Transportation said the agency has determined that rubberized asphalt mixtures have "several limitations" that make them unsuitable for widespread use.
"These mixtures come at a high cost, are a challenge to produce, and have notable performance limitations, especially on high-traffic highways," the spokesperson said.
However, Connecticut does use recycled tire material in asphalt-rubber chip seal applications, which are primarily employed on lower-volume roads.
Many drivers interviewed said they would welcome efforts to explore new approaches if they could improve road conditions and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
"I think that would be extremely helpful and better for the environment," said Amanda Langer of Melville.
Edie Karpf of Huntington agreed.
"Anything that would save money and improve the roads? Absolutely," Karpf said.
The debate highlights a central question facing transportation agencies: whether the potential long-term benefits of rubber-modified asphalt outweigh the additional costs and logistical challenges associated with producing and installing it.
