Landmark analysis of 65+ projects reveals climate, labor, and infrastructure factors driving Northeast Ohio asphalt costs above national benchmarks; study offers transparency amid 25% industry-wide price increases
CLEVELAND, OH – February 10, 2025 – Empire Paving, a trusted Cleveland-based asphalt paving contractor serving Northeast Ohio for over a decade, today released the 2025 Northeast Ohio Asphalt Cost Benchmark Study—the region’s first comprehensive analysis of residential and commercial paving costs. The study, which analyzed 65 completed projects across Cuyahoga, Summit, and Stark counties from 2022-2024, reveals Cleveland-area homeowners pay 18-22% above national averages due to freeze-thaw climate demands, union labor rates, and Ohio’s aging infrastructure backlog.
With Ohio voters approving a historic $2.5 billion infrastructure investment in May 2025 and crude oil prices driving 25% asphalt cost increases nationwide, Northeast Ohio property owners face unprecedented complexity in budgeting paving projects. Average residential driveway costs now range from $4,800 to $7,800 for a standard 600-square-foot installation—compared to the national range of $3,000 to $5,400.
“Homeowners tell us they receive quotes ranging from $3 to $15 per square foot with no clear explanation of the variables,” said Scott Heiman, President of Empire Paving. “This study removes the guesswork by providing transparent, data-backed benchmarks specific to our climate and market conditions. We believe informed consumers make better decisions, whether they choose us or a competitor.”
The data reveal significant cost variations even within the tri-county region. Projects in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls average 8-12% higher than comparable work in suburban communities like Hudson or Richfield, primarily due to union labor requirements and municipal permitting complexity. Commercial properties requiring comprehensive parking lot maintenance face additional variables including drainage systems, ADA compliance striping, and traffic control coordination.
KEY FINDINGS: FIVE COST DRIVERS UNIQUE TO NORTHEAST OHIO
The study identifies regional factors that create the 18-22% price premium compared to national averages:
1. Climate Tax (30-40% Impact)
Ohio’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles require 3-4 inch asphalt installations versus 2-3 inches in temperate climates. “Cleveland experiences an average of 45 freeze-thaw cycles per winter,” explained Scott Crawford, Empire Paving’s operations manager. “That constant expansion and contraction demands thicker, more durable installations—which directly translates to higher material costs. We frequently recommend asphalt resurfacing over simple patching because the climate stress accelerates deterioration.”
2. Labor Premium (20-40% Impact)
Union-dominated Cleveland metro labor costs average $85-120 per hour versus $50-75 in non-union markets. The study found labor represents 35-40% of total project costs in Northeast Ohio, compared to 25-30% nationally. Empire Paving’s workforce specializes in climate-appropriate installation techniques, including proper compaction methods critical for Ohio’s expansive clay soils.
3. Transportation Surcharges (Variable Impact)
Distance from asphalt plants adds $0.75-1.50 per square foot to rural Stark County projects versus urban Cuyahoga County. “Asphalt has a limited working window after production,” noted Crawford. “Every mile from the plant adds transportation cost and reduces workability time. That’s why we operate strategically to minimize delivery distances for residential projects in communities from Beachwood to Green.”
4. Permit Complexity (Time + Cost)
Municipal permitting in Cleveland and Akron adds 2-4 weeks and $300-800 to project timelines compared to streamlined rural township approvals. The study documented 12 different permitting requirements across the three-county region, with Westlake and Solon having the most comprehensive review processes.
5. Seasonal Compression (15-20% Premium)
Ohio’s 6-month optimal paving window (April-September) creates peak-season demand pricing. Projects scheduled during May-August command 15-20% premiums over shoulder-season work, the study found. Empire Paving recommends property owners book spring commercial paving projects by February to secure preferred scheduling and avoid peak pricing.
MATERIAL COSTS SURGE WITH CRUDE OIL VOLATILITY
Material costs, which represent 40-45% of total project expenses, have surged in lockstep with crude oil prices. The study tracked Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) delivered pricing from Cleveland-area suppliers:
- 2022 Baseline: $98-110/ton
- 2024 Average: $115-132/ton
- 2025 Q1: $125-145/ton (22% increase over 2022)
“Every $10 increase in crude oil translates to a 2-3% bump in our material costs,” explained Crawford. “With Brent crude fluctuating between $70-95 per barrel this year, we’ve seen monthly price adjustments that make locked quotes essential for homeowner protection.”
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the Producer Price Index for asphalt paving materials increased 164% from its 2004 baseline to November 2025, with the steepest acceleration occurring in 2024-2025.
The volatility has accelerated Empire Paving’s investment in advanced asphalt milling equipment and on-site material storage to buffer clients against short-term price swings. “We now maintain strategic inventory relationships with three regional asphalt mix suppliers to ensure continuity during peak demand periods,” Crawford added.
Beyond standard hot mix asphalt, the study tracked specialty materials including polymer-modified binders, crack fillers, sealants and coatings, and base materials—all of which experienced double-digit price increases over the three-year study period.
RECYCLED ASPHALT: 15-30% COST SAVINGS OPPORTUNITY
The study also highlights a cost-saving opportunity many Northeast Ohio property owners overlook: Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP). Empire Paving’s analysis shows:
- 15-30% cost reduction using RAP in appropriate applications
- $6-9/sq ft for RAP driveways versus $8-13 for virgin material
- Equivalent 20-year lifespan when properly installed with modern rejuvenators
- Environmental benefit: Over 90% of asphalt nationwide is recycled—the highest rate of any construction material
“RAP isn’t suitable for every project, but for residential driveways and parking lots with light-to-moderate traffic, it’s a game-changer,” said Woodyard. “We’re seeing 40% of our residential clients opt for RAP blends once they understand the quality-to-cost ratio. It’s both economically and environmentally smart.”
The global recycled asphalt market is projected to grow from $8.25 billion in 2025 to $10.95 billion by 2030, driven by sustainability mandates and cost pressures, according to industry research. Empire Paving has been an early adopter of RAP technology in Northeast Ohio, incorporating it into projects ranging from residential driveways in Parma to large-scale industrial paving applications.
Understanding when to use virgin versus recycled materials requires technical expertise. The company’s recent blog post on key factors that influence asphalt paving costs provides additional guidance for property owners evaluating material options.
Empire Paving also maintains strategic partnerships with regional aggregate suppliers to ensure consistent RAP quality—a critical factor often overlooked by contractors unfamiliar with pavement repair materials sourcing best practices.
OHIO’S $2.5B INFRASTRUCTURE BOOM CREATES CONTRACTOR SHORTAGE
The study’s release coincides with Ohio’s largest infrastructure investment in decades. Following May 2025’s voter-approved $2.5 billion bond measure, Cuyahoga County alone is slated to receive $25-30 million annually for road and bridge improvements through 2035. Combined with ODOT’s $3.2 billion annual construction program, demand for qualified asphalt contractors is at a 15-year high.
“We’re already seeing 30-45 day lead times for residential projects—up from 10-14 days in 2023,” noted Crawford. “Property owners planning 2025 projects should secure quotes by March to avoid peak-season bottlenecks and premium pricing.”
The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Infrastructure Report Card gave Ohio’s roads a D+ grade, noting that poor road conditions cost Ohio drivers an estimated $14.4 billion annually in vehicle repairs, fuel waste, and crash-related expenses.
The contractor shortage has led to increased scrutiny of qualifications and capabilities. Empire Paving recommends property owners verify:
- ODOT prequalification status for public work
- Comprehensive insurance coverage (minimum $2M general liability)
- Equipment ownership versus rental arrangements
- References from comparable recent projects
- Written maintenance recommendations and warranty terms
The surge in demand has attracted unlicensed operators offering suspiciously low quotes—often 30-40% below market rates. “We’ve seen a disturbing trend of fly-by-night operators using substandard asphalt repair techniques that fail within 18-24 months,” Woodyard cautioned. “The 2025 Cost Benchmark Study provides property owners with data to identify unrealistic pricing that signals cut corners and future problems.”
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE APPROACH DRIVES LONGEVITY
Beyond initial installation costs, the study examined long-term value factors including preventive maintenance timing and total cost of ownership over a 20-year lifecycle. Properties that implement biennial sealcoating and proactive crack filling averaged 40% longer pavement life compared to reactive-only maintenance approaches.
Empire Paving’s full-service capabilities—from initial concrete curb installation and storm drainage systems to final line striping and pavement marking—allow integrated project planning that optimizes both upfront costs and long-term performance. The company also specializes in advanced applications like fabric technology reinforcement for high-stress areas prone to premature cracking.
METHODOLOGY: RIGOROUS DATA ANALYSIS
The 2025 Northeast Ohio Asphalt Cost Benchmark Study analyzed 65 completed projects totaling over 425,000 square feet of asphalt installation across three counties. Data sources included:
- Empire Paving project archives (2022-2024)
- Supplier invoices from five Cleveland-area asphalt plants
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index data
- ASCE 2025 Infrastructure Report Card for Ohio
- Ohio Department of Transportation construction awards data
- Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) crude oil price tracking
All cost figures are adjusted to 2025 Q1 dollars and exclude specialty applications such as heated driveways, permeable asphalt, or polymer-modified materials. Regional averages represent typical residential driveway and small commercial parking lot installations.
“We wanted this to be more than a marketing piece,” said Scott Heiman. “By grounding the study in hard data from multiple authoritative sources, we’re providing a resource that serves the entire community—homeowners, business owners, and even our competitors.”
ABOUT EMPIRE PAVING
Empire Paving is a Cleveland-based asphalt paving contractor and concrete contractor specializing in residential driveways, commercial parking lots, and municipal roadway projects throughout Northeast Ohio. The company serves Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, and Medina counties with a focus on transparent pricing, climate-appropriate installation techniques, and sustainable materials.
Under the leadership of President Scott Heiman and Operations Manager Nick Sommer, Empire Paving has earned a reputation for technical excellence and customer-focused project management. The company’s team brings decades of combined experience in asphalt technology, municipal infrastructure, and commercial property maintenance.
Empire Paving maintains comprehensive certifications including ODOT prequalification for public works projects and carries full general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. The company has completed hundreds of projects throughout Northeast Ohio, ranging from residential driveways in Twinsburg and Stow to large-scale commercial installations serving regional retailers and industrial facilities.
The company’s commitment to quality and transparency is reflected in its extensive portfolio of significant projects and customer testimonials. Empire Paving takes pride in educating property owners about best practices in pavement maintenance and sustainable construction methods.
For more information, visit www.empirepaving.biz, call (330) 633-7283, or explore the company’s comprehensive service offerings.
MEDIA CONTACT
Scott Heiman
President
Empire Paving
Phone: (330) 633-7283
Email: info@empirepaving.biz
Website: https://www.empirepaving.biz
About Us | Contact
EDITOR’S NOTE / MEDIA KIT CONTENTS
Available upon request to media@empirepaving.biz:
- High-resolution infographic: “Northeast Ohio Asphalt Cost Breakdown”
- Data tables: County-by-county comparison (Excel/CSV)
- Photo assets: Project galleries and before/after imagery
- Interview availability: Scott Heiman (President) and Nick Sommer (Operations Manager)
- B-roll footage: Installation process documentation (HD video)
- Company background: Complete team bios and company history
