: In 1870, Belgian chemist Edmund J. DeSmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the U.S. in Newark, New Jersey. The Modern Era
: Invented "macadam" roads, which used layers of crushed stone to improve drainage. asphalt
: Today, asphalt is high-tech. Modern pavers use automation and thermal mapping to ensure the mix is laid at the perfect temperature (usually between 150°C and 170°C) to prevent cracks. The Future of the Road : In 1870, Belgian chemist Edmund J