The Importance of Improved Sustainability of Asphalt Pavements From the Point of View of a Transportation Official

摘要

The author held the position of Secretary of Transportation for the State of New Mexico and had responsibilities that included the planning, design, construction and maintenance of a highway network that encompassed 30,000 lane miles. Over 99% of the highways in New Mexico are constructed of asphalt. There are 4400 lane miles of interstate and 8400 lane miles of US routes that link the country's economic centers. The condition of these major highways has a significant impact to the transport of goods across the entire US which are critical to the global economy. The United States system of roads and highways, valued at over $1.75 trillion, is steadily deteriorating. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2009 Report Card for America's Infrastructure gave a grade of D- for the nation's roads. ASCE estimates the total cost of repairs and needed upgrades is $2.2 trillion. At the rate of investment that is currently being made in improving our nation's roads and highways, we will never be able to bring the infrastructure into a good overall condition. In addition, concern for the environment and energy consumption coupled with the rising cost of construction with limited financial resources, makes it paramount to have well-documented sustainable asphalt pavements for the preservation and improvement of the nation's highway system.