From Campaign Promises To Road Results

Lake Havasu City receives only $6 million annually in Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) allocations for its entire road network. “That is nothing,” Campbell notes candidly. “It doesn’t even cover maintenance and operation.” 

This funding constraint forced the city to adopt a reactive maintenance approach. When Campbell and other council members inquired about road maintenance practices, they discovered most streets were only treated once every 10 years, far below industry recommendations for desert environments. 

“Being in the business, we know that roads need so much more than that,” Campbell explains. 

In Arizona’s punishing climate, this approach was particularly problematic. Intense UV radiation and triple-digit temperatures accelerate asphalt oxidation, quickly breaking down the binding agents that hold pavement together. Without proper protection, new roads rapidly deteriorate, leading to expensive repairs and eventual reconstruction. 

Rather than accepting this reactive cycle, Campbell championed a strategic shift toward preventative maintenance. This “best-first” approach prioritizes protecting newer pavements before visible deterioration occurs. 

“The earlier you start maintenance, preservation, the longer they’ll [streets] last,” Campbell explains. “We need to preserve our roads and, in the long run, save taxpayers money.” 

Working with the Public Works Department and the city manager, Lake Havasu City identified HA5 High Density Mineral Bond as the optimal treatment for their preservation strategy. This mineral-rich surface creates a protective barrier against Arizona’s intense UV exposure and heat. 

“In Arizona, UV and temperatures are extremely hot, and the roads are black. We need to preserve them before they start cracking,” Campbell emphasizes. 

What makes this approach particularly innovative is the counterintuitive prioritization of newer roads. “Everybody thinks we’ve got to save the old roads, but the old roads really need to be looked at for a massive infrastructure package, while the new roads just need to have that sunscreen put on them.” 

This strategy allows the city to maximize limited dollars by preventing good roads from deteriorating while focusing reconstruction funds on truly failing pavements. 

Implementation & Results 

Lake Havasu City’s proactive implementation of its preservation strategy will result in 67% lower asphalt costs over a 10 year period compared to waiting and treating the city street’s after they’ve started showing signs of aging. The process  has been methodical and transparent, with residents invited to evaluate the results themselves. 

“Come look at our roads after this is done and take a look at the before and after. Look at them again in a year from now, and then ask yourself, is the direction that we’re going worth the time and effort in your community?” Campbell challenges. 

The early results have been impressive. “It is a mineral-based sealant which makes the roads look absolutely gorgeous,” Campbell says of the HA5 treatment. “All in all, they have done a fantastic job. I’m incredibly surprised at how well it’s coming, and I think people in the long run are really going to be pleased.” 

Beyond aesthetics, the preservation program is delivering on multiple fronts: 

• Extended pavement life: By treating roads before cracks develop, Lake Havasu City is dramatically extending the functional lifespan of their infrastructure. 

• Improved safety: Better-maintained roads provide safer surfaces for all users, from drivers to cyclists and pedestrians. 

• Fiscal responsibility: Preventing deterioration costs far less than repairing failed pavements, maximizing taxpayer value. 

Conclusion

Lake Havasu City’s shift to a proactive preservation strategy demonstrates the power of visionary leadership combined with sound engineering principles. By recognizing the value of taking early action, the city is protecting its newest infrastructure while stretching limited dollars further. 

“Sealants and pavement preservation on the front end is the way to go,” Campbell affirms, noting that this approach balances current needs with long-term fiscal responsibility. 

The program also delivers visible evidence that the city is effectively managing public resources. As Campbell notes, this comprehensive approach ensures “the citizens of Lake Havasu City, from bikes to pedestrians, are safe.” 

“Come look at our roads after this is done and take a look at the before and after. Look at them again in a year from now, and then ask yourself, is the direction that we’re going worth the time and effort in your community? I would say yes… I guarantee you will love the roads that we’re driving on, you will love the product that we are choosing.” — Nancy Campbell, Councilwoman, Lake Havasu City. 

Take Action 

Want to see how a proactive preservation strategy could transform your community’s roads and budget? Contact Holbrook Asphalt to discuss implementing HA5 High Density Mineral Bond as part of your pavement management program. Our team can provide cost analyses, treatment recommendations, and implementation strategies tailored to your community’s specific needs.