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Idea to send:	Topic Roads Content I see a dangerous trend in road repair. It's no secret we have some of the worst roads in the country, but what I see is a cheap, quick fix: Asphalt. Asphalt warps under heat and pressure. It distorts, cracks, and fractures under cold and freezing. It has to be repaired and replaced every five years or so! Why do we use it? I'll tell you why I think... because its a petroleum product. I never saw as much asphalt being used before the Bush administration came to power, but that's another debate for another time. Look at any state with nice roads....what are they made of? Concrete! Concrete lasts longer, is stronger, looks better, and has the following advantages, which are documented: 1. reflects better than asphalt, requiring less lighting and improving visibility at night 2. not affected by petroleum products 3. reflects summer heat, whereas asphalt absorbs it 4. Competitive intial costs and virtually maintenance free 5. Resists deformation of ruts and deep depressions Sure, it might cost you more to lay it, but in the long run, the cost of asphalt is FAR greater, with all the repairs. "Concrete parking lots are environmentally friendly too! Due to its light color, concrete stays cooler than other paving materials. This means lower ambient air temperatures, less air pollution, and cooler, cleaner stormwater runoff. Concrete pavements are also a key element of the Cool Communities movement." -rinkermaterials.com This site has LOTS of documentation on why concrete is safer, cheaper, and BETTER than asphalt: http://www.pavement.com/Concrete_Pavement/Technical/Downloads/QDs.asp