Since 1991, the city has been using asphalt rubber hot mix to pave 60 percent of its streets. According to Mark Watkins, public works director, the rubber mixture is better than regular asphalt because it’s quieter, lasts longer, looks better and is environmentally friendly. The rubber in hot mix comes from discarded tires.

To date the city has used more than 500,000 tons of the “superior asphalt,” Watkins said. 

—Nancy Needham