Rural areas might forego asphalt for gravel

The skyrocketing cost of asphalt is forcing some local officials to consider tearing out asphalt on rural roads and replace it with gravel, according to The Republic of Columbus.

Local governments are struggling to fill potholes in asphalt roads, which is increasing chances for damage to cars. Conversions to gravel would occur if the condition of asphalt roads deteriorated to the point that drivers would experience a smoother ride on gravel.

“It would be a big step backward considering that so many people are moving to rural areas,” Bartholomew County Engineer Danny Hollander told the newspaper.