In Alabama, asphalt pavement construction is priced at 2007 levels. Reflecting the competitive nature of the marketplace, almost all contracts that the DOT has awarded for work on state highways in 2009 have been below the engineers’ estimates.

In Minnesota, 10 sizeable pavement projects have been alternate design bid in the construction seasons of 2007, 2008, and 2009. Some were for the DOT and others were for large commercial customers. The lowest bid on all 10 projects was for the asphalt pavement.

Lemon concluded, “Asphalt isn’t just the best material for roads and highways, it’s the most cost-effective. All the state DOT engineers across the country should be aware that their dollar will go at least 30 percent farther in 2009 than it would have last year. Now is the time for America to renew our roads and highways by milling the surface for recycling, and then placing a new asphalt overlay. The traveling public will be getting a new road that is smooth, durable, safe and quiet. And the road agencies will be getting their best value