Ask 2: Why are the major freeways completed with concrete and not asphalt?
In a June 25, 2018 photo, road construction workers pour and spread wet concrete over rebar mesh on the I-75 Rouge River Bridge downriver. A budget impasse in Michigan is starting to take a toll on government programs and services. (John T. Greilick/Detroit News via AP) (John T. Greilick)
HOUSTON – -At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our new Ask 2 series , the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston.
Question: Why are the major freeways completed with concrete and not asphalt?
Answer: According to a local engineer with Entech Civil Engineers, Inc., the preferred material to build major freeways is concrete for its longevity.
Basically concrete lasts longer.
When comparing concrete and asphalt, concrete can last about 50 years while asphalt lasts between 20 to 30 years.
Copyright 2020 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
’Twas The Night Before Christmas as $1.7B Powerball dreams grow in Houston ▶ 1:11
’Twas The Night Before Christmas as $1.7B Powerball dreams grow in Houston
Here's how you can track Santa tonight ▶ 1:30
Here's how you can track Santa tonight
He watched, waited, and pulled the trigger. The Evidence Room: “The Sniper”. Streaming on KPRC 2+ ▶ 0:29
He watched, waited, and pulled the trigger. The Evidence Room: “The Sniper”. Streaming on KPRC 2+
We're getting to know NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas during his visit to the KPRC News studio! ▶ 0:33
We're getting to know NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas during his visit to the KPRC News studio!
Saving lions: The pride of Kenya ▶ 1:30
Saving lions: The pride of Kenya
Christmas Eve Super Feast ready to feed thousands of families ▶ 2:17
Christmas Eve Super Feast ready to feed thousands of families
Top Headlines for Today, Dec. 24, 2025 ▶ 1:56
Top Headlines for Today, Dec. 24, 2025
Here's what's left of deadly Mexican Naval plane that crashed in Galveston Bay ▶ 1:11
Here's what's left of deadly Mexican Naval plane that crashed in Galveston Bay
Our next cold front arrives this weekend ▶ 0:20
Our next cold front arrives this weekend
Car crashes into Houston restaurant, burglars hit another location days later ▶ 0:59
Car crashes into Houston restaurant, burglars hit another location days later
Warm week ahead for Christmas ▶ 1:00
Warm week ahead for Christmas
Watch out for FAKE THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS when you're Christmas shopping this year! ▶ 1:20
Watch out for FAKE THIRD PARTY PRODUCTS when you're Christmas shopping this year!
Conroe judge releases statement after DWI arrest ▶ 1:23
Conroe judge releases statement after DWI arrest
Another body! 32nd pulled from local bayous this year ▶ 0:41
Another body! 32nd pulled from local bayous this year
Will Houston see a white Christmas this year? Well... ▶ 0:15
Will Houston see a white Christmas this year? Well...
HPD body cam of Greenspoint check cashing attempted robbery ▶ 0:56
HPD body cam of Greenspoint check cashing attempted robbery
Fa la la la fog! Expect some foggy morning weather through Christmas ▶ 0:47
Fa la la la fog! Expect some foggy morning weather through Christmas
Woman dies in massive apartment fire on Houston's southwest side ▶ 1:16
Woman dies in massive apartment fire on Houston's southwest side
Man armed with knife fatally shot by Baytown police; mother of his children found dead in apartment ▶ 0:55
Man armed with knife fatally shot by Baytown police; mother of his children found dead in apartment
Top stories for December 19 ▶ 2:13
Top stories for December 19
Holiday travel hits a sweeter note as Southwest Airlines worker plays sax at Houston airport ▶ 2:03
Holiday travel hits a sweeter note as Southwest Airlines worker plays sax at Houston airport
Parents fight to save A-rated Sugar Mill Elementary as Fort Bend ISD weighs closures ▶ 0:51
Parents fight to save A-rated Sugar Mill Elementary as Fort Bend ISD weighs closures
Girlfriend identifies Andrew Meismer as victim in fatal stabbing at Baytown high school ▶ 0:53
Girlfriend identifies Andrew Meismer as victim in fatal stabbing at Baytown high school
Houston family says cemetery failed to deliver headstone for nearly three years ▶ 0:39
Houston family says cemetery failed to deliver headstone for nearly three years
Woman survives camel kick during Christmas performance at Houston-area church ▶ 0:54
Woman survives camel kick during Christmas performance at Houston-area church
Previous photo Next photo