Material Prices Hinder Road Repair in L.A.

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.