Controlled pavement removal that prepares the surface for a better asphalt result.
Asphalt milling removes a planned depth of existing pavement using specialized equipment. It can prepare a parking lot or roadway for resurfacing, restore elevations at curbs and structures, improve transitions, remove deteriorated material and support selective pavement repairs.
HMA Contracting provides asphalt milling as part of commercial, institutional and municipal pavement projects throughout Albany and New York’s Capital District. Milling is coordinated with cleaning, repairs, drainage adjustments, paving and traffic planning so the prepared surface moves efficiently toward completion.
Where milling adds value
- Full-width surface removal before an asphalt overlay
- Removal of deteriorated or oxidized asphalt
- Restoration of curb reveal and drainage relationships
- Improved transitions at entrances, structures and adjoining pavement
- Localized removal for full-depth repairs
- Correction of selected surface irregularities within design limits
- Preparation of municipal, school, campus and commercial pavement
- Phased mill-and-pave construction
Planning the milling depth and limits
The required depth and limits should reflect the pavement condition, elevations, repair strategy and project documents. Milling can remove surface material, but it does not automatically correct unstable subbase or deep structural failure.
Before work begins, the project team reviews structures, utilities, pavement edges, transitions, traffic needs and the sequence of repairs and paving. Field conditions uncovered after milling are documented and addressed in coordination with the owner or project team.
From milled surface to new pavement
A milled surface must be cleaned and evaluated before new asphalt is placed. Loose material, isolated failures, drainage structures and transitions are addressed as required by the scope. The paving plan then coordinates material deliveries, placement, compaction and reopening.
HMA’s ability to manage both milling-related preparation and asphalt paving helps reduce delay between operations and maintains accountability for the finished pavement.
Safety, access and material handling
Milling creates temporary surface changes, exposed structures, construction traffic and truck movements. HMA coordinates work zones, access and the removal or management of reclaimed asphalt material in accordance with the project requirements.
At operating facilities, clear communication is particularly important because areas may shift from open to closed as milling, repairs and paving progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is asphalt milling?
Milling is the controlled removal of existing asphalt pavement to a specified depth using a milling machine.
Does milling fix base failure?
No. Milling removes asphalt at the selected depth. Failed subbase or deeper pavement problems require additional repair or reconstruction.
Why mill instead of paving directly over the existing surface?
Milling can preserve curb heights, improve transitions, remove distressed material and create room for the new asphalt layer. The best approach depends on the existing pavement and elevations.
Can a milled surface remain open to traffic?
Temporary access may be possible in some situations, but exposed structures, loose material and uneven transitions require project-specific controls. The project team determines the safe operating plan.
Planning a mill-and-pave project?
Contact HMA to discuss milling, pavement repairs, resurfacing and construction phasing for your property.