Rubber Meets the Road: Could recycled tires help Long Island roads last longer?
The material, known as rubber-modified asphalt, incorporates ground-up recycled tires into the asphalt binder that holds pavement together.
Drivers on Long Island are no strangers to road construction, resurfacing projects and pothole repairs. But a paving material used in other parts of the country could help roads last longer while also recycling millions of old tires.
The material, known as rubber-modified asphalt, incorporates ground-up recycled tires into the asphalt binder that holds pavement together. Manufacturers say the technology produces roads that are quieter, more durable and better able to withstand the wear and tear caused by heavy traffic.
"Rubber-modified roads, no matter the usage, are going to last longer," said Stratton Kirton, of Liberty Tire Recycling.
According to Kirton, the rubber provides added flexibility to the pavement, allowing it to absorb the impact of vehicles rather than crack under pressure.
"When a heavy truck drives over it, it depresses it," Kirton explained. "In this case you have rubber mixed in, and that rubber takes that weight. It compresses, but it also bounces back, and that's what really protects the road."
Supporters of the technology say that flexibility helps prevent potholes and other forms of pavement deterioration. Manufacturers claim roads paved with rubber-modified asphalt can last up to 40% longer than those made with traditional asphalt.
The concept is not new. Rubber-modified asphalt has been used for decades in states such as California and Arizona. More recently, the material has been incorporated into projects in New Jersey and New York City.
Despite those examples, the technology has yet to gain traction on Long Island.
The New York State Department of Transportation says decisions regarding paving materials depend on several factors, including product availability, traffic demands and environmental considerations.
In a statement, DOT spokesperson Stephen Canzoneri wrote, "NYSDOT does allow the use of performance grade rubber modified asphalt, but it has not been utilized in recent years."
Some Long Islanders believe the state should reconsider its use.
"I think that would be extremely helpful and better for the environment," said Amanda Langer of Melville.
Edie Karpf, of Huntington, agreed.
"Anything that would save money and improve the roads? Absolutely," she said.
