When to upgrade an aggregate road? This is a question and decision that road maintenance authorities continuously ponder. In order to help in this decision process, the costs and benefits of upgrading an aggregate road to a bituminous road and costs to maintain a bituminous road need to be identified. Costs and activities performed to maintain a bituminous road are evaluated in this research to show the expected maintenance costs and key activities a governing agency in Minnesota will have to maintain various bituminous roads. These costs vary from one county to the next because of differing maintenance practices, weather and environmental conditions, and the age of the road. Based on the data, the average cost per mile to maintain a bituminous road ranges from $1900 to $4300, with an average cost of $3300. Various bituminous surfacing options currently being used in Minnesota are reviewed. Tools useful for helping to decide when to pave an aggregate road, such as a road management system and a road rating system, are discussed. The benefits of a bituminous road, which include a reduction in maintenance activities, improved safety, and an increased tax base, are also identified.