The streets of Raleigh are set to increasingly endure the comings and goings of city life, thanks to the 2025 Pavement Rejuvenation Program kicking off this summer. A relatively simple treatment, known as pavement rejuvenator, is being applied across the city’s asphalt to restore its flexibility and extend its life, a cost-effective method detailed by City of Raleigh officials. The treatment, which involves a liquid sprayed directly onto the street, checks the natural degradation of roads and could potentially save the city a bundle in the long run.
"It’s a low-cost treatment that can add 5 to 8 more years of life to our streets," said Ben Griffin, Street Maintenance Division Manager. Planned to be stretched across 21.7 miles of roadway this year, the program notably aims to preserve streets in good condition, thereby avoiding the necessity for costly resurfacing routinely needed after about 25 years of wear and tear. “We’re stretching our budget by preserving good-condition streets with rejuvenation and saving major resurfacing work for roads that really need it,” Griffin explained, as per the City of Raleigh.
The implementation process is equally time-efficient, causing minimal disruption. The streets under this treatment aren’t just getting a face-lift; they have been reported to reflect more sunlight which helps to reduce urban heat, as well as break down certain noxious gases. "These are benefits you don’t usually think of with road work,” Griffin commented, highlighting the environmental advantages of the program that go beyond the mere extension of the asphalt's life, the City of Raleigh noted.
Spotting a rejuvenated street is relatively straightforward; it appears darker immediately after treatment, ultimately merging with the surrounding pavement over time. This method not only saves on expenses but it is also environmentally friendlier as it releases fewer emissions compared to standard paving practices. “If we didn’t do this, streets would wear out much faster. That would mean more potholes, more repairs, and more traffic headaches. Pavement rejuvenation helps us avoid all that—for just a fraction of the cost,” according to the same statement obtained by the City of Raleigh.
With the contract for the work already in place earlier this year, and crews beginning to roll out the treatment this month, the project is anticipated to be fully executed in 30 to 45 days, weather permitting. Streets are selected based on condition ratings, updated biennially, without specifically targeting any neighborhoods, ensuring an even spread of road maintenance across the city.
