Why Asphalt Driveway Cost in Wyoming Matters
A new asphalt driveway is one of the fastest ways to boost curb appeal and protect your vehicles from Wyoming’s notorious freeze-thaw cycles. Yet prices quoted by local contractors can swing by thousands. Understanding what drives those numbers—and what you can control—helps you budget smartly and avoid surprise up-charges once the rollers start moving.
Current Asphalt Driveway Cost in Wyoming (2024 Averages)
Drivewayz USA tracks bid data from Cheyenne to Cody. Here’s what Wyoming homeowners are actually paying this season:
Price Per Square Foot
- Standard residential mix (2.5″ after compaction): $3.20 – $4.10 / sq ft
- High-float cold-climate mix (3″ after compaction): $4.10 – $5.25 / sq ft
- Recycled asphalt (RAP) with 15% virgin binder: $2.45 – $3.15 / sq ft
Typical Project Totals
| Driveway Size | Standard Mix | Cold-Climate Mix |
|---|---|---|
| 12 × 40 ft (480 sq ft) 1-car | $1,540 – $1,970 | $1,970 – $2,520 |
| 20 × 40 ft (800 sq ft) 2-car | $2,560 – $3,280 | $3,280 – $4,200 |
| 24 × 60 ft (1,440 sq ft) 3-car | $4,600 – $5,900 | $5,900 – $7,560 |
Key Cost Factors Unique to Wyoming
1. Haul Distance from the Plant
Wyoming has only 13 asphalt plants servicing 97,000 square miles. If you live more than 30 miles from the nearest producer, expect a $70–$110 per load “truck delay” fee plus mileage. Batch plants in Gillette and Rock Springs often shut down December–February, so shoulder-season projects can cost 8–12% more when demand is high and supply is low.
2. Elevation & Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Every 1,000 ft of elevation adds roughly five freeze-thaw cycles per year. In Laramie (7,200 ft) that means 35+ cycles versus 18 in Torrington (4,100 ft). More cycles require a deeper base (6–8 in. instead of 4 in.) and a higher PG asphalt binder (PG 58-34 vs. PG 52-28), bumping material cost 12–18%.
3. Local Aggregate Supply
Converse County has plentiful river rock; Teton County does not. Importing crushed limestone from Idaho can add $18–$22 per ton to your base layer—about $0.55 / sq ft on an average driveway.
4. Wyoming Wind & Weather Windows
Plant-mix asphalt must be placed at ≥ 40 °F and rising. Spring wind gusts above 25 mph cool mats quickly, forcing contractors to use warm-mix additives at $2–$3 per ton. That subtle line item can total $120 on a 600-sq-ft driveway.
Site-Prep & Optional Upgrades That Change the Bid
Remove Old Concrete or Chip-Seal
Concrete removal runs $2.50 – $4.00 / sq ft in Wyoming because landfill fees are high and the nearest recycler may be 90 miles away. Chip-seal is cheaper to lift ($1.25 – $1.75 / sq ft) but must be completely stripped or the new asphalt won’t bond.
Geo-Grid for Expansive Soils
Bentonite clays around Sheridan swell up to 8%. Installing a biaxial geogrid adds $0.65 / sq ft but can prevent cracking that costs $900 to seal later.
edging & Borders
Aluminum or steel edging keeps 1.5-ton pickups from crumbling edges during Wyoming winters. Budget $4.75 per linear foot installed, or DIY it for $2.25 using 16-gauge steel from a Casper supply yard.
5 Practical Ways to Save on Asphalt in Wyoming
- Book during plant start-up. Late March to mid-April slots are 6–9% cheaper before DOT highway work ramps up.
- Group buy with neighbors. One plant setup fee ($350) split across three 800-sq-ft driveways saves each homeowner about $115.
- Opt for a 2-inch overlay if your base is sound. Core-drill two plugs; if you have ≥ 4 in. stable base and no alligator cracking, an overlay costs half of full replacement.
- Allow recycled asphalt (RAP) up to 20%. It’s common in Wyoming and cuts material cost 12–15% without voiding warranties.
- Keep the width minimal. Dropping from 14 ft to 12 ft on a side-entry driveway saves roughly 14% in surface area—about $400 on an average project.
How to Compare Wyoming Contractor Quotes
Check the Mix Design Sheet
Reputable plants will give you a “job mix formula.” Verify the PG binder grade matches your elevation and traffic load. If one bid lists PG 52-28 and another PG 58-34, the cheaper quote may crack sooner at altitude.
Verify Wyoming Contractor Licenses & Bonds
While the state doesn’t license pavers outright, most cities (Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie) require a $10,000 street-cut bond for driveway approaches. Ask for the bond number and call the clerk’s office—takes two minutes and can save thousands in liability.
Ask for a Yield Test
Request the contractor weigh the last two trucks and compare ticket tonnage to the theoretical yield. A 5% variance is normal; 10% means you’re paying for asphalt that never hit your driveway.
Return on Investment for Wyoming Homes
According to the Wyoming Realtors Association, “new asphalt driveway” recoups 68% of cost at resale—higher than the national 59% thanks to harsh climate perception. A $4,500 driveway adds roughly $3,060 to list price, plus shortens days-on-market by an average of 11 days. Factor in avoided winter tire-chain damage to vehicles, and most homeowners break even in 5–7 years.
FAQ – Asphalt Driveway Cost in Wyoming
Yes—about 25–35% less upfront. A standard 800-sq-ft asphalt driveway averages $3,200 versus $4,800 for plain concrete. Wyoming’s freeze-thaw cycles also make asphalt easier and cheaper to repair; a $200 sealcoat every 4 years beats $1,200 concrete patching.
With proper base, PG 58-34 binder, and bi-annual sealcoating, 18–22 years along I-80 corridor (lower elevation) and 15–18 years above 6,000 ft where freeze-thaw cycles spike. Neglecting edge support or drainage can drop life to 10–12 years.
No. Wyoming plants shut down when ambient temps drop below 35 °F consistently. Cold mats cool too fast to compact, leading to premature cracking. Plan for March 15 – November 1 at lower elevations; May 1 – October 1 above 6,500 ft.
Yes—when blended with 15–20% virgin binder and laid at 290 °F, RAP performs comparably to all-virgin mix in Wyoming. Make sure the mix design shows ≤ 30% RAP; higher ratios can oxidize and gray within two years.