The problem is driven by the higher price of oil, a key ingredient in hot-mix pavement. As refineries churn out more gasoline to capitalize on those increased pump prices, less oil is left for road builders.

If that trend persists into the new year, it could mean altering contracts or souring relations with contractors who need more help meeting budgets.

The Utah Transportation Commission agreed Friday to stay on call for phone meetings in case they have to quickly take money from one project and shift it to a higher priority.

"This is really standing on one foot and juggling," UDOT Deputy Director Carlos Braceras said of the potential budget shifts.

Asphalt prices had risen from $60 a ton to $100 by this month, project development director James McMinimee told commissioners in Logan at their monthly meeting. Some contracts came in last week at $150 a ton.

"It continues to get worse," he said.

This year, it means budget shuffling, McMinimee said, but next year it could strain ties with contractors if the state doesn't award them a cost bump. Ultimately, it could mean small builders cannot compete for state jobs because they don't have a large enough supply stream.

The price leap could drain $35 million from UDOT's maintenance budget this year. That's minor compared with an overall $1.6 billion construction budget, McMinimee said, but it could delay 30 maintenance projects. One of those that's a high priority is the Gordon Lane access from Interstate 15 to Farmington by Lagoon.

bloomis@sltrib.com