Q. Do you have comparison information/preferences/costs on various trail surfaces?

Dan H. Hatley, AICP
Principal Planner
City of North Myrtle Beach
Planning and Development

A. Hi Dan.

If you’re looking at a hard surface, that’ll be either concrete or some form of asphalt, and the price can vary in different places. Some places have lower prices for asphalt, others have lower prices for concrete. One variable to keep in mind is the price of oil, which could make concrete a relative bargain. Concrete also tends to have a longer life than asphalt, so that should be factored in. I don’t believe the life of the surface would vary by region but that could be possible. With asphalt, a major ingredient would be oil, and the prices of oil is getting a lot of publicity these days.

Your best bet is to check around your area and get an idea what surfaces people are currently using.  I’m cc’ing this to Tom Dodds, the SC State Bike/Pedestrian Coordinator, because he’s in your general area and knows local practice. Also, I’ve attached some pages about surfaces from the Wisconsin DOT bikeway guide. I primary on the project back in 2004, so it’s relatively current.

Hope this helps!

John W.