"The American road system is breaking. As materials age and wear – due to weather, time, and traffic – the infrastructure suffers breakdowns that threaten lives, budgets, and environmental conditions. Traditionally, a “patch and repair” method has been applied to the problem, but this solution lacks the ability to keep pace with the decay. Add to this equation: cost. In December 2007, a ton of liquid asphalt – the primary product used in roads – cost roughly $175.00; today, that cost has escalated to $1,000 per ton. From 1998 to 2003, highway spending from the government amounted to approximately $80 billion per year and has risen significantly since then. Thus it seems in the near future, the costs will be too much to continue using this antiquated process of laying and repairing roads."