Blog

How Do They Pave So Many Highways?

merica’s veins take quite a lot of asphalt to install, and even more planning.  Not to mention, it takes a ridiculous amount of manpower to get something like a highway paved and ready to go.

America’s veins take quite a lot of asphalt to install, and even more planning. Not to mention, it takes a ridiculous amount of manpower to get something like a highway paved and ready to go.

Have you ever looked at a web of highways and wondered how they manage to put down all of that pavement?  America’s veins take quite a lot of asphalt to install, and even more planning.  Not to mention, it takes a ridiculous amount of manpower to get something like a highway paved and ready to go.  That’s why it seems like construction on highways goes on forever–you may not notice it when you’re driving so fast, but that’s a lot of work!  If you want to know what it takes to build a highway road, read on.


History of Highways

 

Highways are a relatively new invention, as you probably know.  The first concept of highways was presented as early as 1916, but was regularly shut down by the government, as it would cost upwards of $75 million dollars annually to create.  But, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the president who set it all in motion.  By the 1920’s, a rise in automobile usage showed a real commercial and traveling need for highways.  Even the Army had an interest, so they could transport themselves quickly across the US.  The original highway system consisted of 5 east-to-west routes, and 10 north-to-south routes.

 

How it’s Made

 

In the planning phase, the main concern is how the highway will help the community.  Builders take into account the environmental impact, the economical impact, the crash statistics of the area, and more.  As the builders plan, taxes from the state in question are allocated to contractors so building can begin.  The design team then steps in, jotting down detailed maps of where they can and cannot build.  Drainage and traffic are two very important things to consider.  Next, the process of earthwork begins.  This essentially ends in a foundation being laid for the road to rest on, preventing the road from sinking into the ground.  Finally, paving begins.  Asphalt is the material of choice, but concrete can also be used.  This process takes a while, but once it’s done, you’ll have a brand new road for all that American traffic!

 

Discover more facts about paving by following PTG Enterprises on social media.

 

PTG stands out as an industry leader due to our methodology of pavement management planning: a systematic, long-term approach to managing and extending the life of your pavement.

 

We will work with you to develop a comprehensive strategy to extend and maximize the lifespan of your asphalt and concrete surfaces and care for all aspects of your grounds which keep them beautiful and dry, including storm drains.

 

If you have any questions about winter asphalt maintenance, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

Tags: , ,