It’s impossible not to feel good when you’re out on the open road, the sun shining, windows rolled down, cruising along a stretch of smooth asphalt. The United States is a car-oriented nation like none other, and those long stretches of beautifully-manicured streets, highways and byways are as much a part of our national identity as backyard barbecues and rock and roll. Whether you realize it or not, countless professionals across the country are working to preserve that identity every day by listening to guidelines from the DOT on asphalt smoothness in Saratoga Springs, NY and beyond.
How do you judge smoothness?
Unless you’re driving along and enjoying yourself, or you’re bouncing along on poorly maintained roads, you probably don’t think about road smoothness all that much. It’s a good thing the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is focused on it so intently.
Using a designation known as the International Roughness Index, or IRI, experts can evaluate the roughness of a stretch of road. Road smoothness is perhaps the most important factor agencies consider when they’re mulling over road rehabilitation. According to engineers, standard asphalt smoothness in Saratoga Springs, NY can have massive benefits to both private citizens and governments on every level.
Why is smooth asphalt so great?
Simply put, it’s substantially easier for your car to drive on a road adhering to rules and regulations set by the DOT on asphalt smoothness in Saratoga Springs, NY. When the road provides a smooth ride for your vehicle, your car or truck uses less fuel and emits fewer harmful gases into the environment. What’s more, smooth asphalt doesn’t cause as much wear and tear on your vehicle as other types of roads.
In fact, a study done in the late 1980s found that a 10 percent reduction in a road’s IRI yielded immensely positive results. Fuel economy increased by as much as 4.5 percent, and the money spent on vehicle repairs decreased.
Subsequent studies have also illustrated that pavement that’s laid smoother stays smoother for a more extended period. Smoother asphalt also lasts longer and requires less maintenance. All three of those factors combine to save taxpayers money and reduce government spending.
Workmanship and construction are key
Now more than ever, it’s vital that your city and county roads are up-to-date with the DOT guidelines on asphalt smoothness in Saratoga Springs, NY. In the last several years, state agencies across the country have begun to include financial incentives and disincentives to coerce local governments to update their roads.
Getting the job done right requires skill, experience and passion—three traits that Asphalt Industries, LLC has to spare. For over a decade, our team of highly-trained professionals has worked to provide the Saratoga Springs area with the very best asphalt service around.
Commercial and residential contracts alike are gladly accepted, and no job is too big or too small. Asphalt Industries, LLC is also the team to trust when you need drainage and excavation services done right the first time. Give us a call today and find out how we can help you!