New Jersey Bitumen Calculator

New Jersey DOT uses a mix designation system based on aggregate size: I-5 (fine graded surface mix), I-19 (9.5 mm surface), I-19CM (polymer-modified for high-traffic), and 9.5 mm or 12.5 mm Superpave for state highways. Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) is used on heavily trafficked interstates. NJDOT Standard Specifications cover all material and compaction requirements.

New Jersey asphalt prices range from $100–$190 per ton for standard mixes. Northern NJ and areas near New York City tend to be at the higher end due to labor and equipment costs. Residential driveway paving typically runs $4–$9 per square foot installed in New Jersey. The state's dense suburban development means short haul distances from asphalt plants, which helps keep material prices competitive.

Yes. NJDOT Standard Specifications allow and in some cases require Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) content in new mix designs. RAP percentages of 15–30% are common in base and intermediate courses, reducing material costs and environmental impact. Surface courses may contain up to 15% RAP under standard specs, with higher percentages allowed with special approval and additional testing.

Both are dense-graded hot mix asphalt surface courses under NJDOT specifications, but they differ in aggregate gradation and texture. I-19 (also called 9.5 mm Superpave in newer NJDOT specs) has a 9.5 mm nominal maximum aggregate size — it produces a smoother, finer surface texture and is commonly used on local roads, residential streets, and driveways where a smooth ride and fine appearance are priorities. I-5 is a finer-graded surface mix with smaller aggregate, producing an even smoother finish, often used for top lifts on high-volume roads and parking lots where a tight surface texture is desired. I-2 (12.5 mm intermediate) and I-19 base course are used for lower pavement layers. For high-traffic state routes and the Turnpike, SMA-9.5 or I-19CM (polymer-modified) provides superior rutting resistance.

A typical New Jersey residential driveway (50 ft × 10 ft = 500 sq ft) with a 2-inch I-19 surface course: 500 × (2/12) × 110 ÷ 2,000 = 4.6 short tons. With 5% waste = order approximately 4.8 tons. Most NJ residential driveways also have an existing base — if you're doing a full replacement with a new 4-inch base, add another 9.2 tons for the base layer. For a wider driveway (12 ft × 60 ft at 2 inches) = approximately 6.6 tons surface course. The Square Feet Calculator is ideal for quick driveway estimates.

Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) is a gap-graded mix with a high coarse aggregate skeleton and a rich, fiber-stabilized bituminous mortar that fills the voids. It was developed in Germany and widely adopted in the US for high-traffic highways. SMA has superior rutting resistance (due to stone-on-stone contact), excellent durability, and good wet-weather skid resistance. NJDOT specifies SMA-9.5 and SMA-12.5 on heavily trafficked interstates, the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and select primary routes where conventional dense-graded mixes cannot withstand the heavy truck loads without rutting. SMA uses 6.0–7.5% binder content (higher than standard mixes) and requires cellulose or mineral fiber to prevent binder drain-down. It typically costs 20–35% more than standard dense-graded surface mixes.

North New Jersey and the New York City metro corridor consistently have the highest asphalt installed costs in the country for several reasons: (1) Labor costs — union prevailing wages on public works projects in NJ are among the highest in the US; (2) Traffic management — dense urban road networks require extensive night paving, traffic control setups, and shorter working windows, increasing crew costs per ton placed; (3) Permitting and compliance — NJDEP, local municipal, and county approvals add project overhead; (4) Equipment mobilization — congested urban environments increase equipment time and haul costs; (5) Premium mix specifications — polymer-modified and SMA mixes required on major routes carry material cost premiums. Material-only prices are actually competitive due to proximity to major asphalt plants, but installed costs of $5–$9/sq ft for residential work reflect the full labor and overhead burden.