Concrete Roads vs Asphalt Roads | Understanding the pros & cons The first concrete road in India is said to have been built by the British in Chennai in 1914. Today, we are seeing a lot of arterial roads converted from asphalt to concrete roads. Most driving enthusiasts prefer asphalt, but the government seems determined to convert as many roads as possible to concrete. Concrete Roads Made of aggregates (crushed rock, sand & gravel), cement and water. Often reinforced with steel bars within the concrete. Advantages Concrete roads have a lifespan of between 20 to 40 years, which is two to four times longer than asphalt