Rubber Meets the Road: Why Long Island still isn't using rubber-modified asphalt
Supporters of the technology say it could reduce potholes, extend the lifespan of roadways and save taxpayers money by decreasing the frequency of costly repaving projects.
A road surface made with recycled tires and designed to last significantly longer than traditional pavement appears to offer an ideal blend of sustainability and durability. Yet despite its potential benefits, rubber-modified asphalt remains absent from Long Island roads.
Supporters of the technology say it could reduce potholes, extend the lifespan of roadways and save taxpayers money by decreasing the frequency of costly repaving projects.
"We get a win-win," said Stratton Kirton, of Liberty Tire Recycling.
Rubber-modified asphalt incorporates recycled tires into the pavement mix. Manufacturers say roads built with the material can last about 40% longer than conventional asphalt, helping them withstand the constant stress caused by vehicle traffic.
"We can build roads that last longer, save taxpayers money, and they incorporate recycled materials like end-of-life tires," Kirton said.
Given those advantages, many drivers may wonder why the material has not found a place on Long Island.
According to Marc Herbst of the Long Island Contractors' Association, the answer comes down to infrastructure and community concerns.
"It's something that hasn't really been promoted in this region," Herbst said.
He explained that local asphalt plants are not currently equipped to manufacture rubber-modified asphalt. Producing the material would require modifications to existing facilities so recycled tire material could be blended into the asphalt mix.
There is also another obstacle: odor.
"To do that on Long Island, you'd smell rubber burning," Herbst said. "We don't want that in the plants that are near homes or residential areas. That would be a nuisance for a community, so that's a major concern."
The issue is particularly relevant on Long Island, where industrial facilities often operate close to residential neighborhoods.
At the same time, Long Island faces significant challenges in maintaining heavily traveled roadways. The region's roads rank among the busiest in the country, and the constant volume of cars and trucks can accelerate pavement deterioration.
According to Herbst, stretches of the Long Island Expressway typically require resurfacing every 10 to 12 years.
That reality has prompted some industry leaders to take a closer look at alternatives that could improve road longevity.
"Looking at the technology and the scientific data that's available, it's something that should be explored, and it's an opportunity for the future," Herbst said.
For now, however, rubber-modified asphalt remains largely off the table on Long Island. While advocates see promise in a material that could both recycle tires and reduce road maintenance needs, the challenges of production and community impact continue to stand in the way.
