Asphalt Driveway Cost in Nebraska: Local Pricing

Why Nebraska Homeowners Choose Asphalt

Nebraska’s freeze-thaw cycles, clay-heavy soils, and sweeping temperature swings make asphalt the go-to driveway material from Omaha to Scottsbluff. It flexes with frost heave, melts snow fast thanks to its dark color, and installs quickly—even in a one-day window between spring storms. Before you call a contractor, it helps to know exactly what drives Asphalt Driveway Cost in Nebraska so you can budget smart and avoid surprise line items.

2024 Asphalt Driveway Cost in Nebraska: The Real Numbers

Statewide Averages

After surveying 28 Nebraska contractors and 120 recent Drivewayz projects, we found:

• New 600 sq ft driveway (12×50 ft): $3.20–$4.80 per sq ft = $1,920–$2,880
• 1,000 sq ft driveway (20×50 ft): $2.90–$4.50 per sq ft = $2,900–$4,500
• Overlay (resurface) existing asphalt: $1.75–$2.40 per sq ft
• Full removal & replacement: add $1.10–$1.60 per sq ft for demolition

Metro vs. Rural Pricing

Omaha and Lincoln enjoy tighter contractor competition, but higher disposal fees. Rural zip codes pay travel premiums but save on permits.

What Moves the Needle on Price?

1. Oil Prices & Asphalt Cement

Asphalt cement is a crude-oil derivative. When West Texas Intermediate climbs $10, expect a 20-cent-per-square-foot bump. Lock a quote for 30 days to hedge.

2. Aggregate Haul Distance

Nebraska’s limestone quarries sit near Weeping Water and Ashland. If your site is 90 miles out, haul costs add ±$0.35 per sq ft. Ask your contractor which pit they’ll pull from.

3. Base Depth & Soil Type

Clay soils common in the Platte River valley need 8–10 in. of compacted base; sandy loam in the Sandhills may need only 6 in. Every extra 2 in. adds roughly $0.55 per sq ft.

4. Drainage & Permits

City of Omaha requires a $75 driveway permit and mandates 2 percent slope away from foundations. Rural counties usually skip permits, but drainage culverts can add $400–$800.

5. Access & Obstacles

Fence rows, sprinkler heads, or power lines that block the paver will trigger labor surcharges. Relocating a single head runs $25–$40—cheap insurance against future saw-cuts.

Compare Your Options: Overlay, Pulverize, or Full-Depth?

Overlay (2 in. compacted)

Best when your base is solid and cracks are <¼ in. wide. Cost: $1.75–$2.40 per sq ft. Life: 10–12 years. Not ideal if you have alligator cracking or drainage puddles.

Pulverize & Relay (3 in. asphalt)

A recycling machine grinds existing asphalt and base together, then relays and compacts. Adds $0.90 per sq ft versus overlay, but you get a new 15-year life and better grading.

Full-Depth Removal (new 6–8 in. base + 3 in. asphalt)

Choose this for failed driveways or switch from gravel to asphalt. Highest upfront cost, but 20-year life and warranty eligibility. Expect $4.00–$4.80 per sq ft in 2024 dollars.

Best Time of Year to Install in Nebraska

Asphalt plants open mid-April and close mid-November. May and September offer the sweet spot: 50–75 °F air temps, low humidity, and stable sub-grade. July heat can cool too fast at night, leading to surface checking. Book in March for May slots—contractors fill fast after the first 70-degree weekend.

Proven Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners

Bundle With Neighbors

One mobilization fee split three ways saves $200–$300 per driveway. We recently paved three 800 sq ft drives in Elkhorn on the same day—each homeowner saved 8 percent.

Accept a Larger Joint Pattern

Requesting 10-foot joint spacing instead of custom 6-foot decorative stamps can shave $0.25 per sq ft on labor.

Choose Recycled Mix

Nebraska DOT allows up to 25 percent RAP (reclaimed asphalt pavement) in driveways. It’s greener and 5–7 percent cheaper, with no visible difference.

Off-Peak Scheduling

Mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) slots can net 5 percent discounts because crews stay busy and avoid weekend overtime.

How to Vet a Contractor’s Quote

1. Itemized Breakdown: Look for separate line items for excavation, base, tonnage, and mobilization. Lump-sum bids hide surprises.
2. Mix Design: Ask for a NE-DOT approved SP-12.5 or SP-9.5 surface mix. Minimum 5.5 percent asphalt content for freeze resistance.
3. Warranty: One-year craftmanship plus five-year structural is standard. Be wary of “lifetime” promises without a performance bond.
4. Proof of Insurance: Request a COI with minimum $1 M general liability and workers’ comp. Nebraska exempts one-man crews, so verify.
5. Local References: Drive by last year’s jobs. Look for edge raveling or color fading—early signs of low compaction.

Maintenance Costs Down the Road

Budget $0.12–$0.20 per sq ft per year to keep your asphalt black and crack-free. That covers:

• Sealcoat every 3–4 years: $0.20 per sq ft
• Crack-fill annually: $0.50–$1.00 per linear ft
• Patch small potholes: $75–$120 each

At that rate, a 1,000 sq ft driveway runs $120–$200 yearly—cheaper than replacing a neglected surface 10 years early.

Return on Investment in the Nebraska Market

Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report pegs asphalt driveway replacement ROI at 103 percent in the Midwest. Nebraska Realtors tell us curb appeal can shorten listing time by 15 days—critical in a tight market. Even if you’re not selling, a smooth driveway prevents vehicle wear and trips to the chiropractor.

Nebraska Asphalt Driveway Cost FAQ