02/07/2026
As America gears up for its 250th birthday, here are 5 road facts that might surprise you:
1. The first paved road in America was the Woodward Avenue in Detroit, completed in 1909.
2. 94% of all paved roads in the U.S. are surfaced with asphalt, not concrete.
3. Asphalt is the most recycled material in America. Over 80% of reclaimed asphalt gets reused.
4. A properly maintained asphalt surface can last 20–30 years, but neglected pavement can fail in under 5.
5. The Interstate Highway System, the world's largest, was signed into law in 1956. Before then? Mostly gravel and dirt.
The road beneath your feet has a history worth knowing.
Which fact surprised you most?