Martin Marietta Materials is a provider of asphalt in select geographic areas.
96 percent of all paved roads in the United States are surfaced with asphalt. Asphalt material is composed of asphalt oil, sand and gravel that is heated and applied to the road surface. Asphalt pavements can last a lifetime because it is possible to maintain them with overlays, with the deeper portion of the pavement structure remaining sound. When properly designed for traffic conditions, asphalt pavement provides a permanent pavement structure.
The initial cost of asphalt pavement construction is usually less than that of concrete. On the whole, asphalt pavements tend to be quieter than concrete and cost less for initial application. Asphalt can be applied to a road surface quickly at night to avoid traffic delays during busy travel times.