Building Better Roads: TIA's Role in Launching Rubber-Modified Asphalt in Maryland

Bowie, Md. - The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is proud to announce a major advancement in sustainable infrastructure for the state of Maryland. Through TIA's ongoing advocacy efforts, the leadership of Maryland Delegate Kevin Hornberger, and the technical expertise of Red Clark, President of Asphalt Plus, the state has officially laid its first installation of rubber-modified asphalt (RMA)-a cutting-edge pavement material that incorporates recycled tire rubber into traditional asphalt to create longer-lasting, more environmentally friendly roads.

This new surface in Silver Spring, Maryland isn't just fresh pavement-it's a symbol of progress and partnership between industry and government.

In late 2023, TIA approached Delegate Hornberger with a vision: to incorporate rubber-modified asphalt into Maryland's highway projects. The environmental and economic advantages were clear-RMA could extend the life of roads, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and repurpose scrap tires that might otherwise end up in landfills.

Hornberger, a strong proponent of sustainable innovation, was immediately receptive. Over the winter months, he worked closely with TIA to develop legislation-House Bill 781-that would authorize and encourage the use of RMA by Maryland agencies.

As the 2024 legislative session got underway, TIA strengthened its advocacy by bringing in Red Clark, a nationally recognized expert in rubber-modified asphalt (RMA). Clark played a critical role in building legislative and agency support-meeting with lawmakers, leading educational briefings, and testifying in committee hearings to highlight the proven benefits of RMA in other states.

Although HB-781 did not pass, the initiative gained momentum and caught the attention of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). In spring 2024, MDOT invited Clark to present his findings to their engineering team, where he shared decades of performance data and national case studies. That meeting led to the development of a project-specific specification for RMA and the launch of Maryland's first official pilot project.

In July 2025, the demonstration project-led by MDOT in partnership with Red Clark and Asphalt Plus-was completed on the northbound lanes of Maryland Route 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) in Silver Spring. This stretch runs from the intersection of Maryland Route 200 (the Intercounty Connector) to the 7-Eleven at New Hampshire Avenue and Norbeck Road.

Adjacent to that, on the southbound side, Liberty successfully initiated its own test project, further expanding the scope of RMA evaluation in the state.

While small in scale, both projects represent a major step forward in Maryland's commitment to sustainable infrastructure and innovative pavement technologies.

"This isn't just a win for Maryland-it's a roadmap for other states," said TIA CEO Richard "Dick" Gust. "We've shown how the industry can work hand-in-hand with government to make meaningful change, from reducing scrap tire stockpiles to building better roads."

TIA continues to promote RMA adoption at both the state and federal levels. With the first Maryland project now on the ground, the association sees growing opportunity for other states to follow suit.

For questions or to learn more, contact Roy Littlefield IV at rlittlefield2@tireindustry.org.