Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Mitchell, NE

On average, asphalt dries within 24 to 72 hours, meaning it’s solid enough for light traffic—walking and careful driving. Full curing—when asphalt reaches peak strength—can take anywhere from three months to a year. During that time, heavy loads and sharp objects can leave marks. Weather, asphalt mix, and thickness all affect how quickly it dries and cures. If you want your asphalt to last, treat it gently until it’s fully cured. For the best results, check with a professional asphalt contractor for their advice.

Both concrete and asphalt are appropriate for your driveway apron. The choice often comes down to local laws and the current material of your driveway. In some cases, your town may require you to install wire mesh or rebar to fortify the material, but both are common in apron installation.

Give your driveway at least 24 to 48 hours to dry. After 72 hours, you can walk or park on it, but tread lightly. It might look solid, but it’s still soft and can be easily damaged. It can take 30 days to a year for an asphalt driveway to fully cure, so avoid parking extremely heavy vehicles on it. For the best results, always check with your contractor for their advice. Different mixes and weather conditions can affect curing times, so it’s worth waiting longer if it means a driveway that lasts.

Building a road on a slope requires careful planning and will normally require a drainage system underneath to prevent flooding and damage to the road over time. Your professional may lengthen your road to create switchbacks if the slope directly to your home is too steep, as there are regulations for maximum road slope. The drainage system will help prevent runoff from the higher side of the slope from damaging the asphalt or concrete. Keep in mind that building a road on a slope isn’t a good DIY project, as a lot can go wrong.