Asphalt Pavement Contractors In Lincoln NE

Hiring Asphalt Pavement Contractors in Lincoln, NE

Lincoln sits in the southeastern corner of Nebraska, right in the Dissected Till Plains region where weather swings from summer highs near 89°F down to winter lows around 17°F. That range alone is enough to wreck poorly installed pavement. Add roughly 26 inches of annual snowfall and repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and it becomes clear why choosing the right paving contractor here matters as much as the materials themselves.

Whether you're looking at a new residential driveway, a commercial parking lot, or routine lincoln pavement maintenance, this page walks through what the work involves, what it costs, and how to make a smart hire.

What Services Do Lincoln Asphalt Contractors Typically Provide?

The paving industry in Lincoln is fairly well-established. The city has its own set of standard specifications for asphalt construction, and contractors operating in the area generally offer a range of overlapping services. Here's a breakdown.

New Asphalt Paving

This covers everything from residential driveways to large-scale road construction. The process starts with grading and subgrade preparation, followed by laying a compacted granular base and then applying hot-mix material. According to the City of Lincoln's Standard Specifications, the first asphaltic concrete base lift should be between 3 and 5 inches after compaction, with subsequent lifts at 1.5 to 3 inches.

For homeowners, this matters because the base layer is often where corners get cut. A contractor who skips proper compaction or uses too thin a base is setting you up for problems within just a few years.

Repair and Patching

Lincoln's climate is hard on pavement. The Iowa DOT has noted that freeze-thaw periods cause moisture to seep beneath surfaces, leading to buckling, cracking, and eventual pothole formation. Nebraska experiences the same phenomenon. Timely crack repair and pothole patching can prevent small damage from becoming a full replacement project. Good contractors will offer both cold-mix temporary patches and permanent hot-mix solutions.

Sealcoating and Crack Sealing

Think of sealcoating crack prevention as the cheapest insurance policy for your pavement. A quality sealcoat protects against UV exposure, water infiltration, oil spills, and chemical damage. Most professionals recommend reapplying every two to four years. Crack sealing specifically targets individual fissures before water reaches the base layer, which is especially critical before winter arrives in Lincoln.

Striping and Line Marking

For commercial properties, parking lot striping goes beyond aesthetics. It's a safety requirement that includes ADA-compliant markings, fire lanes, and directional arrows. Faded or missing lines can create real liability issues, and many businesses don't realize they need to re-stripe every year or two.

Concrete Work

While this article focuses on asphalt, many Lincoln paving contractors also handle concrete projects. Concrete and asphalt each have their strengths. Concrete lasts 40 to 50 years with minimal upkeep but costs roughly 45% more upfront. Asphalt is more affordable, repairs more easily, and performs well in freezing temperatures because it flexes rather than cracking rigidly. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and how the surface will be used.

How Much Does Asphalt Paving Cost in Lincoln?

Pricing fluctuates based on project scope, material costs, site conditions, and time of year. But here are some general figures that should give you a realistic starting point:

A couple of things worth knowing. Larger projects tend to carry a lower per-square-foot rate because fixed costs like crew mobilization and equipment transport get distributed across more area. And asphalt prices are tied to crude oil markets, so material costs can shift from one season to the next.

What Drives the Final Price Up or Down?

Several factors play into your actual quote:

Site preparation needs. If old pavement must be removed, or the ground needs significant grading, costs rise. Clay-heavy soil, which is common in parts of Lancaster County, drains poorly and may require extra base work.
Thickness of the material layer. A residential driveway might only need 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt over a 6 to 8-inch aggregate base. Commercial lots handling truck traffic typically need 4 to 6 inches of hot-mix on a similar or thicker base.
Distance from the nearest plant. Hot-mix material needs to stay at specific temperatures for proper application, so longer haul distances can increase delivery charges.
Time of year. Spring and summer are peak season. Booking in early fall sometimes means better availability and pricing.

Asphalt vs. Concrete: Which Makes Sense in Lincoln?

Both materials work here, but each performs differently given the local climate. Here's a quick comparison:

How Thick Should Asphalt Be for a Driveway?

This comes up constantly, and for good reason. Get the thickness wrong and you'll be paying for repairs far sooner than expected.

Light Residential Use

For passenger cars and light trucks, the standard recommendation is 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt over a 6 to 8-inch granular base. This handles daily traffic without issue for most homeowners.

Medium Traffic

Driveways that regularly accommodate heavier pickup trucks, trailers, or delivery vehicles should consider 4 inches of material on an 8-inch aggregate foundation.

Heavy-Duty Commercial

A busy parking lot or road surface needs more substance. Industry guidelines suggest a 6-inch hot-mix layer on an 8-inch aggregate base for heavy commercial and industrial applications.

The Base Matters More Than You Think

Perhaps the most overlooked factor is subgrade quality. The City of Lincoln's specifications emphasize compaction density requirements for a reason. If the ground beneath your pavement shifts or retains water, no amount of surface material will save it. A qualified paving contractor will always assess the subgrade first.

Asphalt tends to be the more practical choice for parking areas and driveways that need to be usable quickly, especially for businesses that can't afford extended downtime. Concrete is often preferred for residential projects where long-term durability outweighs the higher initial investment.

That said, I think it's fair to note that some Lincoln neighborhoods lean heavily toward concrete, simply because that's what local builders have traditionally used. Neither option is universally better. It really depends on your priorities.

What to Look for When Hiring a Paving Contractor in Lincoln

Experience in the Region

A company that's been working in the Lincoln area for a decade or more will understand local soil conditions, drainage challenges, and the specific demands of Nebraska's continental climate. Firms like Constructors, Inc., which has operated since 1908, or APMS with over 30 years of service, represent the kind of established track record worth looking for.

Licensing and Insurance

Nebraska doesn't have a statewide general contractor license, but contractors must be registered. Always confirm that your paving contractor carries workers' compensation and liability coverage. Ask to see proof before signing anything.

Written Quotes with Detailed Breakdowns

A reputable asphalt company will visit your site, assess conditions, and provide a written quote that separates material, labor, and preparation costs. Be cautious about anyone offering a number over the phone without inspecting the property first. Get at least two or three quotes for comparison.

References and Portfolio

Ask for photos or addresses of completed projects, particularly those similar to yours. A lincoln asphalt contractor confident in their work won't hesitate to share examples. Online reviews are a reasonable starting point, but first-hand references from commercial paving or residential asphalt clients carry more weight.

Warranty and Post-Project Support

Some contractors offer one-year warranties on workmanship. This isn't universal, but it's a strong signal of confidence in the finished product.

FAQs

Can you pave over an existing asphalt surface in Lincoln?

Yes, an overlay is possible when the existing base remains structurally sound. Contractors add a new layer of hot-mix material over the old surface, which saves on demolition and disposal costs. However, if there are deep structural failures, drainage problems, or extensive cracking, a full tear-out and replacement is the better long-term investment. A thorough site assessment will determine which approach makes sense for your specific situation.

How soon after installation can vehicles drive on new pavement?

Freshly paved asphalt is typically ready for light vehicle traffic within 24 to 48 hours. Full curing takes longer, and it's wise to avoid sharp turns or heavy loads during the first week. In contrast, concrete requires about seven days before it can handle regular traffic, which is one reason many commercial property owners prefer asphalt when minimizing business disruption is a priority.

Does Lincoln require permits for driveway paving?

Depending on the scope of work, you may need a right-of-way permit if your project connects to a city road or affects public infrastructure. The City of Lincoln's Transportation and Utilities department handles these requests. Your contractor should be familiar with local permitting requirements and can typically manage the process on your behalf. It's still worth confirming this before any work begins.

What time of year is best for paving projects in Lincoln?

The ideal window runs from late May through early October, when temperatures stay consistently above 50°F. Hot-mix material requires warm conditions for proper compaction and curing. Most contractors see peak demand from June through September, so scheduling earlier in the season can sometimes mean better availability and slightly more favorable pricing.

Get a Free Quote from Parking Area Maintenance, Inc.

With over 40 years of experience serving the Lincoln and Omaha area, Parking Area Maintenance, Inc. is a veteran-owned company that handles everything from asphalt paving and sealcoating to crack sealing, line striping, and snow removal. They've earned the Best of Omaha Award and back all their work with a one-year warranty.

Contact Parking Area Maintenance, Inc. today for a free, no-obligation quote on your next project.

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