Concrete vs tar-seal

Concrete roads are well suited for high intensity traffic and are more cost-effective in the long run, according to a new economic report.

‘The Case for Concrete Roads’ report says concrete roads are on average 17 per cent cheaper over whole-of-life, reduce embodied carbon in roading and significantly reduce the cost and frequency of road maintenance.

Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan says the report looked at roading costs in New Zealand and considered extensive research overseas.

He says it shows that although concrete roads cost more to build, savings can amount to millions of dollars for central government and councils, as maintenance costs are up to 62 per cent lower.

Lifetime carbon emissions for concrete roads may also be better than tar-seal because concrete reabsorbs carbon dioxide.