Newly paved parking lot and access road at Strawberry Reservoir, Utah.
In July 2026, the Eckles Paving crew completed a 14,000-square-foot asphalt paving project near Strawberry Reservoir in Utah. The existing roads and parking area had deteriorated so severely that portions of the pavement felt more like loose gravel than asphalt.
Surrounded by mountain scenery, this project gave our crew the opportunity to restore a heavily worn surface while working through challenging ground conditions. The finished pavement now provides a smoother, stronger, and more dependable surface for vehicles traveling through the property.
Repaving Worn Asphalt at Strawberry Reservoir
Years of traffic, weather exposure, and Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles had taken a toll on the existing pavement. The asphalt had become rough, loose, and uncomfortable to drive across. In several areas, the original surface was difficult to distinguish from gravel.
When pavement reaches this level of deterioration, routine maintenance is generally no longer enough. A more complete asphalt paving solution is needed to rebuild the driving surface and provide lasting stability.
If you’re wondering how pavement reaches this condition, read our guide: What Causes Potholes?
Our crew repaved approximately 14,000 square feet across the property’s roads and parking area, creating a cleaner and more consistent surface throughout the project site.
Before photo.
Before photo.
Addressing Soft Spots Beneath the Pavement
One of the main challenges involved soft spots in the ground beneath portions of the existing pavement. These areas can develop when the underlying soil or base material does not provide enough support. If they are paved over without being addressed, the new asphalt may settle, crack, or fail prematurely.
Our crew identified the unstable areas and adjusted the preparation process to create a stronger foundation before placing the new pavement. Proper base preparation is one of the most important parts of any paving project, especially in mountain environments where soil conditions, moisture, and seasonal temperature changes can affect pavement performance.
For properties with isolated failures that do not require complete repaving, targeted asphalt repair may help correct damaged or unstable areas before they spread.
Surface damage is often just one symptom of larger pavement problems. Learn more about common warning signs in our article Signs Your Parking Lot Needs Repair.
Eckles Paving dump truck during a paving project at Strawberry Reservoir.
A Smoother Road and Parking Area
After the soft spots were resolved and the site was properly prepared, our crew installed the new asphalt surface. The result was a dramatic improvement from the loose, gravel-like pavement that had been there before.
The newly paved roads and parking area now offer:
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- A smoother surface for vehicles
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- Improved stability over previously soft areas
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- A cleaner and more professional appearance
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- Better protection against continued surface deterioration
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- A stronger foundation for future pavement maintenance
The surrounding views also made this one of the most scenic Utah paving projects our crew has completed this summer.
Proper maintenance is the best way to maximize the life of new asphalt. Learn how to protect your investment in our article How to Extend the Life of Your Parking Lot.
CAT asphalt paver installing new pavement at Strawberry Reservoir, Utah.
Paving for Utah’s Mountain Conditions
Projects near Strawberry Reservoir require careful planning because mountain weather and ground conditions can be less predictable than those in developed urban areas. Elevation, moisture, winter snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and access to the project site can all influence how the work should be completed.
According to the Asphalt Institute, pavement performance depends on factors such as proper design, quality materials, drainage, and construction practices. Addressing the foundation beneath the asphalt is especially important when unstable areas are discovered during preparation.
Eckles Paving provides asphalt paving and pavement maintenance throughout our Utah asphalt service areas, including mountain properties, commercial parking lots, private roads, schools, HOAs, and other paved surfaces.
Eckles Paving crew placing fresh asphalt with a paving machine.
Planning an Asphalt Paving Project in Utah?
If your road or parking lot has become extremely rough, loose, cracked, or gravel-like, it may be time to consider repaving. Eckles Paving can evaluate the existing pavement, identify underlying concerns, and recommend an appropriate solution for the property.
Contact Eckles Paving to request a free estimate for asphalt paving or pavement repair in Utah.
Drone photo of the completed 14,000-square-foot asphalt paving project.
Why Choose Eckles Paving?
Whether we’re paving a commercial parking lot in Salt Lake City or restoring roads at Strawberry Reservoir, our approach stays the same. Every project begins with proper site preparation, quality materials, and experienced crews committed to building pavement that lasts.
With more than 35 years of experience and over 1,300 five-star Google reviews, Eckles Paving provides asphalt paving, pavement repair, sealcoating, crack sealing, and parking lot striping throughout Utah. From mountain recreation areas to schools, businesses, HOAs, and industrial properties, we have the equipment and expertise to complete projects of all sizes.
If you’re planning an asphalt paving project, contact Eckles Paving for a free estimate.
Eckles Paving crew paving the parking lot at Strawberry Reservoir, Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the parking lot at Strawberry Reservoir need to be repaved?
The existing pavement had deteriorated to the point that portions of the surface felt more like gravel than asphalt. Repaving restored a smooth, durable driving surface and corrected underlying soft spots before they caused further pavement failure.
How do soft spots affect an asphalt paving project?
Soft spots indicate unstable material beneath the pavement. If they are not repaired before paving, the new asphalt can settle and crack prematurely. Proper base preparation helps extend the life of the pavement.
Can Eckles Paving complete asphalt projects in remote Utah locations?
Yes. Eckles Paving completes asphalt paving and pavement maintenance projects throughout Utah, including mountain communities, reservoirs, parks, private roads, commercial properties, and other challenging locations.
How can I request an asphalt paving estimate in Utah?
Contact Eckles Paving for a free estimate. Our team can evaluate your pavement and recommend the best solution for paving, repair, or maintenance.
Freshly installed asphalt at Strawberry Reservoir, Utah by Eckles Paving.
