Prices for raw materials, particularly rock and oil, have hindered plans for road repairs in Los Angeles, prompting city leaders to consider increasing recycling, according to a report in the LA Daily News (Woodland Hills, Calif.).
Over the last year, the cost to repave one mile of severely damaged road has increased from $400,000 to $600,000, according to the report.
The jump in price is due mainly to the increase in oil prices. Oil, which binds the asphalt, now costs more than $70 a barrel, compared to $60 at this time last year. In addition, the cost of aggregate increased 50 percent over two months in the summer of 2005.