<p>The shift toward bio-bitumen in road construction is a response to the global need for sustainable materials. By leveraging renewable biomass resources, bio-bitumen offers a viable alternative to conventional bitumen, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions, promote circular economy practices, and enhance the performance of road pavements. However, further research and development are necessary to optimize bio-bitumen production and address the challenges of feedstock availability, cost, and performance variability. With continued investment in bio-bitumen technologies, the global road construction industry can take significant steps toward sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. This review study thoroughly investigates many facts of bio-bitumen, encompassing biomass supplies, manufacturing techniques, physical and chemical characteristics, rheological properties, performance, environmental implications, cost analysis, and applications. Recent studies demonstrate that bio-oil-modified bio-bitumen can improve rheological properties, fatigue resistance, rutting resistance, thermal cracking resistance, aging, and moisture susceptibility relative to traditional bitumen. Moreover, bio-bitumen is more economical and environmentally sustainable, producing less greenhouse gas emissions.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>