Across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, heat and dryness shape the way roads are built more than almost anything else. High temperatures, UV exposure, low humidity, and long stretches of rural highway mean pavement materials must be carefully selected. The wrong mix or base material can lead to rutting, cracking, or early failure, especially in areas where temperatures regularly climb above 100 degrees.

Here’s a look at the pavement materials that perform best in hot, dry climates, and why engineers choose them.

Asphalt vs. Concrete: Both Have a Place in the Southwest

When people talk about road materials, the conversation usually comes down to asphalt versus concrete. In reality, both materials perform well when used in the right context.

Asphalt (Flexible Pavement)

Asphalt is widely used because it’s relatively quick to install, easier to repair, and adapts well to soil movement.

In hot climates, engineers often select:

• High-performance asphalt mixes that resist rutting
  
• Polymer-modified binders to handle heat and heavy traffic
  
• Thicker surface layers for added durability

Asphalt is a great fit for roads that need regular maintenance access or where traffic loads change over time.

Concrete (Rigid Pavement)

Concrete handles heat differently. Instead of softening, concrete expands, which engineers plan for through joint spacing and reinforcement.

Concrete is often chosen when:

• Heavy truck traffic is expected
  
• Long-term durability is the priority
  
• Soil conditions are weak and need a stiff pavement structure
  
• Maintenance access is limited

Concrete pavements can last longer with fewer major repairs, making them a good option for highways and industrial routes.

Regional Aggregates and Base Materials Matter

The Southwest has a unique mix of available aggregates, and engineers select materials based on what performs well locally.

Common options include:

• Crushed limestone in Texas and Oklahoma
  
• Caliche in New Mexico and West Texas
  
• Gravel mixes in rural Oklahoma
  
• Crushed stone and blended base materials for Colorado projects

Base and subbase materials are just as important as the pavement itself. A good base layer improves load distribution and helps prevent cracking or settlement.

Stabilization Materials Improve Performance in Hot Climates

Stabilization is extremely common across the Southwest because of the soil variability. When the soil isn’t strong enough to support pavement, engineers modify it using:

• Lime (for clays)
  
• Cement (for sands and silts)
  
• Fly ash (for certain mixed soils)
  
• Cement-treated base (CTB) for added stiffness
  
• Geogrids for reinforcement

Stabilization creates a stronger, more predictable layer beneath the pavement, which is especially important where heat and dryness can intensify soil movement.

Recycled Materials Are Becoming More Common

Many agencies and engineers now use Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) to reduce material costs and improve sustainability.

These materials can work extremely well in hot climates when incorporated into the right mix design, keeping pavements flexible while improving strength.

How Heat Affects Pavement Performance

In hot climates, the biggest concerns are:

• Rutting from softened asphalt
  
• Thermal expansion of concrete
  
• Drying and shrinkage in the subgrade
  
• Oxidation that causes asphalt to become brittle over time

Because of this, engineers often:

• Use stiffer asphalt binders
  
• Increase pavement thickness
  
• Add reflective or modified surfaces
  
• Improve drainage to manage moisture movement in the soil

Good pavement design in hot regions is all about keeping materials stable and supported.

Choosing the Right Material Depends on the Project

The “best” material isn’t the same for every situation. Engineers consider:

• Climate
  
• Traffic volume
  
• Heavy truck percentage
  
• Soil conditions
  
• Maintenance expectations
  
• Budget
  
• Location (urban vs. rural)

A rural county road in West Texas will have different needs than an industrial corridor in Oklahoma City or a state highway in northern New Mexico.

Strong Roads Start With Strong Material Choices

Selecting the right pavement and base materials is one of the biggest factors in long-term roadway performance. By understanding the climate and soil conditions in the Southwest, engineers can choose mixes and designs that stand up to heat, load, and time.

Centerline helps clients across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado design pavement structures that match real-world conditions and deliver long-term value.

Learn more about our Civil Engineering Services or reach out through our Contact Page to talk about your project.

FAQs

When is concrete preferable to asphalt?
Concrete is often chosen for heavy truck routes, high temperatures, long-term durability, and difficult-to-maintain areas.

How does heat impact pavement performance?
Heat can soften asphalt, leading to rutting. Concrete may expand and push against joints, requiring proper spacing and reinforcement.

What sustainable materials can be used in road construction?
Recycled asphalt pavement, recycled shingles, and stabilized base materials are commonly used across the Southwest.