Revolutionary Airport-Noise Reducing Driveways Transform Ronkonkoma Neighborhoods with Sound-Absorbing Asphalt Technology in 2025
Living near Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma has long meant dealing with the constant hum of aircraft overhead. However, innovative homeowners in 2025 are discovering a groundbreaking solution that’s literally beneath their feet: sound-absorbing asphalt driveways that significantly reduce noise pollution while enhancing property value.
The Science Behind Sound-Absorbing Asphalt
Noise-reducing asphalt, commonly known as quiet pavement, is a type of road surface designed to absorb and diminish road noise. This is achieved through a unique combination of materials and construction techniques that enhance the acoustic properties of the asphalt. Asphalt pavements excel in dampening noise due to their unique properties. Asphalt’s flexibility also absorbs sound vibrations rather than reflecting them.
The technology works through several key mechanisms. One of the significant features of noise-reducing asphalt is its higher porosity compared to traditional asphalt. This porosity allows sound waves to be trapped and dissipated, thereby reducing the noise that escapes into the environment. Asphalt is extremely porous. By absorbing the air and vibrations from under the tires, the porosity of this pavement reduces sound by 3 to 5 decibels, which is enough to profoundly the diminish the volume of noise.
Advanced Materials Making the Difference
Modern sound-absorbing driveways incorporate cutting-edge materials for maximum noise reduction. One asphalt mix, called open-graded friction courses (OGFC), is especially helpful in reducing noise because it is porous. It has a higher ratio of air voids, which helps water runoff but also helps absorb road noise.
Even more impressive is the use of recycled materials. Asphalt pavement can be made even quieter and even more eco-friendly when recycled tires are mixed in – this is called rubberized asphalt. Noise tests on rubberized asphalt have shown a 50%-90% reduction in noise! Car noise is reduced by 4-5 decibels, according to Rodríguez Marfil. ‘The mix reduces the stiffness of the asphalt, which causes a lower vibration in the tyre, and in turn less noise,’ he said.
Why Ronkonkoma Residents Are Leading the Charge
Long Island MacArthur Airport (IATA: ISP, ICAO: KISP, FAA LID: ISP), formerly known as Islip Airport, is a public airport in Ronkonkoma, New York, within the Town of Islip in Suffolk County, on Long Island. Long Island MacArthur Airport is also located in Ronkonkoma, and though it has a limited schedule of flights to destinations on the East Coast and Florida, noise from planes landing and taking off can sometimes be a nuisance.
The proximity to the airport has created unique challenges for homeowners, but it has also sparked innovation. Quiet asphalt pavement can help reduce highway noise by as much as 7 decibels, according to a 2013 World Road Association-PIARC study. Reducing noise by just 3 decibels is equivalent to doubling the distance from the source of noise to the listener, according to Asphalt Pavement Alliance literature.
Professional Installation Makes All the Difference
The success of sound-absorbing driveways depends heavily on expert installation and material selection. Selecting the appropriate asphalt mix is crucial to achieve desired noise reduction outcomes. Engaging professionals knowledgeable about asphalt maintenance can guide businesses in selecting the best mix for their specific needs.
Local contractors like DLZ Construction & Landscaping understand these specialized requirements. Here at DLZ, we’ve been providing quality construction and landscaping services to homeowners and businesses for many decades. DLZ Construction and Landscaping Inc. is a masonry company serving Nassau County. We do many types of masonry work, from fixing chimneys to building driveways. Our team uses strong materials, like concrete pavers and natural stone.
For residents seeking professional driveway paving ronkonkoma services, working with experienced contractors ensures optimal noise reduction results. At DLZ Construction and Landscaping Inc., we believe in providing craftsmanship that lasts. We’re committed to using the best materials and proven techniques to achieve results that exceed your expectations.
Long-Term Benefits Beyond Noise Reduction
Sound-absorbing asphalt driveways offer multiple advantages beyond noise control. Although initial installation costs for asphalt may be higher compared to other materials, the long-term savings in maintenance and noise reduction make it a worthwhile investment. Lower noise levels can enhance property value and improve overall satisfaction among customers and employees alike.
Along with reducing sound, absorbent asphalt provides drainage and decreases the amount of standing water on any given road. These types of roads also expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, making them resilient to temperature changes.
The Future of Quiet Neighborhoods
As airport traffic continues to grow with JetBlue announced that it would commence service at MacArthur Airport, with flights set to begin that October. It would announce expand its operations at the airport and add additional destinations in 2025., the demand for noise-reducing solutions will only increase.
This is why quiet asphalt pavement “tends to be financially justifiable in high-traffic urban areas where road noise is a serious concern,” said Dr. Michael Heitzman, Assistant Director with the National Center for Asphalt Technology. For Ronkonkoma homeowners, investing in sound-absorbing driveways represents a forward-thinking approach to creating more peaceful living environments while adding lasting value to their properties.
The technology continues to evolve, with The result of the study was a novel asphalt mixture that reduced noise by 3 dB compared to a conventional road. The result of the study was a novel asphalt mixture that reduced noise by 3 dB compared to a conventional road. promising even greater noise reduction capabilities in future applications.
As more Ronkonkoma residents discover the benefits of sound-absorbing asphalt driveways, these innovative surfaces are proving that sometimes the best solutions to modern problems lie right beneath our feet.