The time it takes for a road to open to traffic after asphalt paving depends on the type of asphalt, ambient temperature, and curing requirements. Generally, it can be opened to traffic within 1.5 to 48 hours. In special circumstances, such as winter or high-temperature curing epoxy asphalt, it may take several days.

Asphalt type is the core influencing factor. Ordinary asphalt requires more than 3 hours of curing time in hot summer weather, and extends to 6 hours when the temperature is below 20℃. Newer types of asphalt with modifiers cure quickly, allowing traffic to drive on them in 1.5 hours. For double-layer paving, the bottom layer needs 12 hours of curing before the top layer is laid, and finally the entire layer needs another 24 hours of curing. Cold-mix asphalt can be driven on immediately after compaction, but it is not widely used in China. High-temperature curing epoxy asphalt requires 3 days in summer and 15 days in winter when the temperature is below 10℃.
Ambient temperature directly determines the curing speed. High temperatures, such as in summer, shorten the time before traffic can resume; low temperatures, such as below 10℃ in winter, extend the curing time to 1.5 times the normal amount. If it rains suddenly after construction, the road must be allowed to dry naturally for 24 hours after the rain stops before the compaction is checked and deemed satisfactory.
Small vehicles can drive on the road approximately 2 to 3 hours after the asphalt has basically hardened, while large vehicles must wait at least 24 hours. For special road sections such as bus lanes and bridge joints, where stress is complex, the curing period needs to be extended to 48 hours. Immediately after opening, observation is necessary, as residual asphalt on the road surface may effloresce under high temperatures. Management units must conduct inspections twice daily for the first 30 days after opening, recording early problems such as ruts and cracks.