Asphalt Paving in St. Joseph, MO

Asphalt paving in St. Joseph covers some of the oldest and steepest residential streets in the region. The city was incorporated in 1843 and was the eastern end of the Pony Express in 1860 and 1861. By the 1900 census it reported 102,979 residents. The 2020 census counted 72,473, in 29,051 households and 33,028 housing units. A city that was once much bigger has a lot of older housing, and with it a lot of older driveways, alleys and parking areas.

The historic core and the bluffs

Neighborhoods near downtown and along the bluffs include landmarks on the National Register such as Robidoux Row and the Patee House. Houses here sit on narrow, often steep lots, many with garages off an alley. Driveways and alley pads in these areas are usually old, with edges broken by runoff and patches on patches. Access is tight, so we plan equipment carefully and expect more hand work.

East side and newer areas

Homes built in later decades to the east have wider lots and attached garages. Those driveways are mostly on their first or second surface and often just need crack sealing, a sealcoat or a careful overlay.

Loess and runoff

The USDA's Knox soil, typical of the bluffs bordering the Missouri River Valley, is well-drained loess on slopes up to 35 percent. Loess is hard when dry but loses its strength when saturated. On a steep St. Joseph lot, storm water running along an edge can wash soil out from under the asphalt. We rebuild undermined areas with crushed stone and shape the surface so water leaves gradually.

Housing and ownership

Census figures show 62.8 percent of St. Joseph homes are owner-occupied, the median owner-occupied value is $154,200, and 85.2 percent of residents lived in the same house a year earlier. Many owners want a driveway that will last as long as they stay, at a sensible price. We give options: repair and seal, overlay, or replace.

Business and institutional lots

Health care, food processing and the 139th Airlift Wing are among the biggest employers. Large lots get phased repairs; small business and church lots get patching, sealing and striping.

Street work

If a project changes the curb cut or approach, we confirm the City of St. Joseph's current requirements before work is scheduled.

Pony Express and the highways

US 36, the Pony Express Highway, runs east to Cameron and west into Kansas, I-29 runs south to Kansas City, and I-229 serves as a western bypass. Homes and businesses near these roads see heavier traffic and more winter salt, which wears sealer faster.

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