How Much Does It Cost To Pave A Road?

In Canada, it can sometimes feel like the roads are constantly covered in obstacles, whether that be snow and ice in the winter or potholes in the summer. In fact, the potholes are often worse once they experience their first winter, as the moisture from the snow is able to creep into the already-compromised roads and expand any cracks or holes. As a driver, this is less than desirable. Uneven pavement can lead to damaged bumpers, misaligned wheels, and even missing tires. More than just an inconvenience, a damaged road can be dangerous.

 

That’s why, as a taxpayer, it can be frustrating when you feel your dollars aren’t going towards the improvement of your roads. Despite reporting the larger-than-acceptable pothole in your 411 app, it feels as though nothing is being done. However, the financial limitations of the city may explain what appears to be inaction. The cost to pave a road is shockingly high, which restricts city-contracted pavers in how many roads they are able to tackle. 

Choosing to hire a professional asphalt paving company, such as Economy Paving, is always an option if you so wish. Some businesses will take it upon themselves to maintain their surrounding property to ensure good first impressions from their clients and ease for their own company vehicles. While the cost won’t be as high for doing a single stretch of road, rather than spots around an entire city, paving a road does come with a price tag. Let’s take a look at potential costs surrounding paving a road.

Paving Costs Per Square Foot

On average, paving with asphalt costs between $7 and $13 per square foot. This is factoring in the combined costs of materials, which average between $2 to $6 per square foot, and the labour costs, which range between $5 to $7 per square foot.

Paving Costs of a Road

As you can imagine, these costs can quickly add up. Assuming the road you are hoping to have paved has only two lanes, it can cost you anywhere between $84,000 and $156,000 for 400 feet of asphalt pavement.

pave road

This cost, however, is based on paving fresh ground that has never been paved before. Therefore, it is considerably easier to complete such a job, as there are no pre-existing materials you will need to work around. If you’re looking to repave your road, however, be prepared to spend more, as you will need to spend money on asphalt removal prior to the new asphalt coming in.

That said, don’t hesitate to ask your asphalt paving company what your options are when it comes to repaving. Some are able to compact and reuse existing asphalt, thus saving you on material costs.

Asphalt Coat Overlay

In addition to the asphalt, most companies will place an overlay on top of the new asphalt. It is essentially a top coat, adding an extra layer of protection and finish. This will cost approximately $3 to $7 per square foot.

The Benefits of Asphalt

With asphalt being so expensive to pave roads with, one may be wondering why it’s used at all. However, the benefits of choosing asphalt are numerous. While new asphalt may be smooth, it can still boast its skid resistance and higher traction. As well, since asphalt is black, it is able to absorb the heat from the sun. This is perfect for promoting snow melting and moisture evaporation. Additionally, their maintenance is fairly manageable, as smaller cracks can simply be filled in, rather than needing another repaving.

Paving a road can be quite expensive, particularly when you consider the scope of a city. However, maintaining roads increases the safety of both people and cars. If you’re an independent company looking to maintain their own property, don’t hesitate to reach out to professional asphalt paving companies, as they will be able to give you a more accurate quote based on your road.