Turning old tires into smoother, longer-lasting roads

Ann Arbor just paved two residential streets using asphalt mixed with recycled tire rubber—a small but meaningful test of a technology that’s been around for decades. Workers spread the dark, rubber-speckled pavement on Northbrook Place and Oakbrook Drive, turning about 2, 000 scrap tires into road surfaces that officials hope will last longer than ordinary asphalt. The idea isn’t new; cities experimented with rubberized roads as early as the 1960s, but many abandoned the method by the 1990s, only to revisit it later when technology improved. Unlike regular asphalt, which cracks under pressure, the rubber bits act like tiny shock absorbers. Tiny cracks start to form, but when they hit the rubber particles embedded in the mix, they either stop or change direction. This could stretch a road’s lifespan by 30% or more, meaning fewer dig-ups and repairs over time. The city will compare how this pavement holds up against traditional asphalt in the coming years, a practical test rather than just a theory.Environmental benefits are another big selling point. Michigan tosses out roughly 75, 000 tires every year—most of which end up in landfills or get burned. Mixing them into roads keeps them out of waste sites and reduces the need for new raw materials. The recycled rubber also makes roads smoother, which cuts down on noise for residents and improves traction when it rains. Less wear on tires and better fuel efficiency for cars are extra bonuses, saving both money and resources in the long run. Still, not everyone jumped on board right away. For years, Michigan required pavement mixes to pass specific state tests, and rubberized asphalt wasn’t on the approved list. The recent project got a push from a state grant program, showing a shift in priorities. Officials are already eyeing more streets for 2027, but the real question is whether this method will become a regular choice across the state. The technology itself has evolved too. Early versions mixed rubber with oil—a complicated process that some found too costly. Newer methods blend the rubber directly into the mix like any other ingredient, cutting costs and making it easier to use. It’s a reminder that good ideas sometimes take time to become practical.