BRIAN THORNTON
ASPHALT ANSWERS
Paving the Way Forward:
Why 2026 Is Set to Be a Breakout Year for Commercial Paving
A s the final quarter of 2025 rolls in, the commercial paving industry isn’ t just holding steady— it’ s gaining serious traction. From bustling new neighborhoods to revitalized retail centers and long-overdue road rehab projects, the demand for asphalt work is rising across North America. And if you’ re in the business of manufacturing, paving or selling equipment, 2026 is shaping up to be your kind of year.
Home Sweet Home: Residential Construction Is Booming
Let’ s start with the obvious— people are moving, building and expanding. Residential construction is surging in places like Dallas – Fort Worth, Houston, Phoenix, Atlanta and Charlotte, with Fayetteville, Arkansas topping the charts as the fastest-growing metro of 2025. Whether it’ s single-family homes, townhouses or sprawling suburban developments, these projects all need one thing: smooth, durable pavement. Driveways, access roads and community infrastructure are no longer just finishing touches, they’ re essential features. And that means contractors with the right equipment and reliable up time are in high demand.
Retail Gets a Makeover: Mixed-Use Is the New Mall
Remember when malls were fading out? Not anymore. Across the country, aging retail centers are being transformed into vibrant mixed-use spaces. Think shopping, dining, entertainment and residential living all in one place.
BRIAN THORNTON
Cities like Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville, Las Vegas and Tampa are leading the charge with multi-billion-dollar redevelopment projects. These new destinations need fresh parking lots, pedestrian walkways and service roads. For paving professionals, it’ s a golden opportunity to be part of something big— and beautiful.
Government Steps Up: Infrastructure Gets Its Moment
After years of patchwork fixes and delayed upgrades, municipalities and state agencies are finally investing in their roads. From pothole repair to full-scale resurfacing, public works departments are rolling out projects that have been on the back burner for far too long. And here’ s the best part: this isn’ t just a seasonal spike. With consistent funding and public pressure to improve infrastructure, governmental paving work is expected to stay strong well into 2026 and beyond. That means steady business for contractors and a growing need for dependable equipment.
Tax Tools That Work for You
If you’ re thinking about upgrading your fleet or expanding your operations, now’ s the time, and the tax code is on your side. Here are a few financial perks worth exploring:
• Section 179: This popular deduction allows businesses to write off the full purchase price of qualifying equipment in the year it’ s placed in service. That means if you buy a new paver, broom or
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