How road building relates to gas prices

High oil prices are having an impact on more than just gas prices and the cost of driving.

The cost of asphalt used for paving is also escalating, making it increasingly difficult for public works departments to maintain current roads and add desperately-needed new capacity.

With oil prices continuing to soar, we need to expand our focus from the vehicles on the highway and the gas in the tank to the highway itself.

Our nation's highways have not kept pace with growth, and the resultant traffic congestion wastes fuel and increases emissions.

According to a Portland Cement Association report, traffic congestion in Chicago wastes 152 million gallons of fuel and contributes over 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The overall economic congestion costs add up to $4.5 billion.

And it is only going to get worse. By 2032, the U.S. will add an estimated 49 million additional drivers and 58 million more vehicles.

Since 1982, vehicle registrations are up 55 percent, but highway miles have only increased 4.9 percent.

As a result, Chicago will experience higher emissions and even more wasted fuel.

The overall economic impact of traffic delays in the Chicago area is expected to rise to $8.3 billion.

Adding lane miles of highways could reduce congestion and save fuel.

But, these new roads need to meet the demands of an increasing population while addressing both economic and environmental priorities, using materials that are both cost-effective and sustainable.

Roads paved with concrete meet this challenge on both fronts.

Asphalt pavements need to be resurfaced, on the average, every eight to nine years. This work can be expensive and cause additional traffic headaches for commuters.

A properly designed concrete road, however, can last up to 30 years before any resurfacing maintenance is required, saving states up to 20 percent or more in paving costs throughout the road's lifetime.

Additionally, studies have shown that vehicles, especially trucks, run more efficiently on concrete highways, reducing fuel costs and associated emissions.

Our state and federal lawmakers must look beyond current revenue sources such as gas taxes to address our infrastructure needs.

But they must also look at how we build roads. Concrete's low cost, durability and fuel savings are key considerations for building economical and sustainable highways.

Brian McCarthy

Portland Cement Assn.

Skokie