San Angelo Road Projects Use 135,000 Recycled Tires
The city's recent road infrastructure projects now feature rubber-modified asphalt for quieter and more durable driving.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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In 2026, the San Angelo District of the Texas Department of Transportation successfully diverted 135,389 tires for use in local road projects. This infrastructure effort highlights a broader regional shift toward integrating recycled materials into pavement construction.
Why it matters
Using recycled materials like rubber-modified asphalt improves road durability and effectively diverts thousands of tires from local landfills. This construction practice helps address the challenge of managing the approximately 230 million tires generated in the United States annually.
The San Angelo District incorporated 135,389 tires into local infrastructure, contributing to a national tire reclamation rate that reached 79% in 2025. This figure represents an increase from the 71% reclamation rate recorded in 2021.
The players
Texas Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for maintaining public road systems and infrastructure throughout Texas.
San Angelo District
The regional branch of the Texas Department of Transportation that manages local infrastructure improvements.
The details
To create rubber-modified asphalt, old tires are shredded into a material known as crumb rubber. This processed rubber is then mixed into an asphalt binder, which helps enhance the final pavement. Beyond waste reduction, this modification is used to lower rolling resistance and decrease road noise for motorists.
Timeline
1960s: The rubber-modified asphalt technique was first developed.
2021: The national tire reclamation rate reached 71%.
2023: The national tire reclamation rate rose to 79%.
2025: The national tire reclamation rate remained at 79%.
2026: The San Angelo District completed the road projects using 135,389 tires.
The Home Front
The use of recycled materials in road construction marks a significant shift in infrastructure sustainability standards across the state. This initiative aligns with broader trends in material reclamation, aiming to improve long-term pavement durability through the use of waste-derived additives.
Drivers in the area may notice quieter road surfaces, which is a functional benefit of the rubber-modified asphalt used in these projects. When planning for future vehicle maintenance, be aware that smoother road conditions can contribute to more consistent tire wear and improved fuel efficiency over time.
The takeaway
Rubber-modified asphalt serves as a sustainable solution to regional tire waste while offering quieter, more durable roads for the community. Residents can track the success of these local initiatives by monitoring annual infrastructure reports from their district's transportation office.
Further reading
For more on keeping your vehicle and local infrastructure in good condition, visit Car Maintenance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Economic Times.
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