Here’s a simple fact: America wouldn’t have earned its place as the world’s largest economy if it hadn’t invested heavily in an infrastructure. When the $25 billion dollar Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 was signed into law, it was the largest investment in the nation’s roads in our country’s history. But that was over 60 years ago and now we need to bring our infrastructure back up to speed.
If you commute regularly, you’re probably familiar with the issues facing motorists in the United States. The poor condition of our highways creates more than just safety hazards; it contributes to traffic congestion, increased fuel usage, and more vehicle repairs. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave America’s roads a big fat D in their 2017 Infrastructure Report Card. According to the research, “One out of every five miles of highway pavement is in poor condition and our roads have a significant and increasing backlog of rehabilitation needs”. So what does this mean for the White House’s rumored $1 trillion infrastructure investment plan that is set to be released later this year? Well, it could mean significant savings in other sectors of the economy.
The ASCE report finds that there is a significant lack of funding for our highway system, “resulting in a $836 billion backlog of highway and bridge capital needs. The bulk of the backlog ($420 billion) is in repairing existing highways”. This means that asphalt and pavement repair projects will be a large part of the effort to strengthen infrastructure in the U.S.
Highway asphalt repair and paving has many benefits that aren’t immediately apparent. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that “each dollar spent on road, highway, and bridge improvements returns $5.20 in the form of lower vehicle maintenance costs, decreased delays, reduced fuel consumption, improved safety, lower road and bridge maintenance costs, and reduced emissions as a result of improved traffic flow”.
The badly needed investment in highway infrastructure repair has wide-reaching social and economic benefits which should make it a high priority for lawmakers. It will create jobs in the asphalt paving industry and increase demand for materials like asphalt and aggregates which are largely produced locally. We can also unclog highway congestion, decelerate fuel demand, steer toward improved safety, and tap the brakes on emissions all at once.
Privacy Policy
CRH recognizes the importance of protecting the personal privacy of its website visitors. The following Privacy Policy describes the types of information CRH may collect and permissible use of that information.
With over 1,700 locations throughout North and South America and 50,000+ employees, CRH is among the leading building and construction products companies in the world. CRH delivers outstanding performance and growth by acquiring, partnering and investing in companies with strong management teams that demonstrate consistent profitability and exceptional customer service. By using our website, you consent to the collection and use of information in the manner described below.
Collection and Use of Personal Information
CRH does not collect personal information (name, address, Email address, telephone number, etc) through its website unless you provide it to us voluntarily. CRH may ask you for personal information to respond to your questions; to process or fulfill your order, request or employment inquiry; or to register you in contests and sweepstakes. In some instances, CRH may need additional personal information in order to process or fulfill your order, request or employment inquiry. The decision to provide the additional information rests with you; however, if you do not provide some information, you may not be able to take advantage of all of our services or special offers.
CRH will not share your personal information with third parties without your permission, except as otherwise necessary (i) to process or fulfill your order; (ii) to respond to your request or answer your inquiries, including employment inquiries, (iii) to enter you in contests, sweepstakes or other promotional activities that you voluntarily participate in, or (iv) to comply with any applicable law, court order or other judicial process. CRH may occasionally hire other companies to provide certain services on its behalf, including management of contests, sweepstakes and surveys. CRH may provide such companies with the minimum amount of personal information necessary to deliver the service. CRH will take reasonable steps to ensure that any personal information shared under these circumstances will not be used for any other purposes.
CRH does not sell or provide personal information data to non-affiliate third parties for promotional purposes, and you will not receive Emails or mailings concerning CRH or its products, services or promotions unless you specifically elect to receive such information.
Collection and Use of Statistical Information
When you connect to our website, CRH may automatically collect technical, non-personal information. Examples include the type of Internet browser used, your computer operating system and the IP address of the website from which you linked to our website. CRH may share aggregate website statistical information (such as sales, traffic patterns or related information) with third parties to develop ideas for improving its website and the services offered through the site. No such shared statistics will contain any personal information.
Cookies
When viewing our website, information in the form of a cookie or similar file may also be stored on your computer. This information helps CRH tailor its website in a manner to better match your interests and preferences. If you do not wish to receive cookies or want to be notified when they are placed on your computer, many Internet browsers allow you to erase existing cookies, block cookies or warn you before a cookie is stored on your computer. Consult your specific browser’s instructions to learn more about these features.
Access by Children
CRH has no way of distinguishing the age of individuals who access our website. If a child has provided us with personally-identifying information without consent from a parent or guardian, the child’s parent or guardian should contact us, and we will take reasonable steps to remove the information from our files.
Modification or Deletion of Personal Information
If you need to change or correct any personal information provided to us, or wish to have all personal information we have collected removed from our files, please contact us and we will take reasonable steps to comply with your request.
Security
Although no system is currently 100% immune from external attack, CRH has taken commercially reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access to and improper use of your personal information.
Scope of Policy and Third Party Sites
This Policy applies only to this website. The privacy policy of other websites, including those accessible by links from this site, may differ from ours. We encourage you to read the privacy policy for each website you visit, to ensure you understand and agree with the applicable policy.
Changes to Policy
CRH reserves the right to change the Policy at any time without notice. Policy revisions are effective upon posting and apply only to data collected thereafter. You should periodically visit this CRH website to review the current terms.