Types of Road Surfaces

Types of Road Surfaces

Asphalt is the most common road surface. It is used on all new roads, roads throughout developments, mainline roads, and highways. The typical County residential roadway section is 4" of asphalt placed over 8" of stone. The typical County business roadway section is 5" of asphalt placed over 10" of stone. When the road needs to be resurfaced, 1-1/2 inches of asphalt is placed over the existing road. This surface usually lasts from 15 to 20 years.

Tar & Chip roads are constructed by Harford County's Highway Maintenance and are found mostly in rural areas of the County. Tar is placed on the road and stone is spread over the tar to provide a wear surface. These roads are usually maintained every 5 years.

Earth roads consist of dirt and gravel. Very little traffic travel on them. When traffic increases or at the request of residents, these roads may be converted to tar and chip surfaces. Frequency of maintenance depends upon conditions such as traffic and weather.

Road Pavement Details