National Highways will carry out the lowest carbon road resurfacing scheme its ever attempted on its network next month, on the A64 in Yorkshire.

It says by using innovative materials and working methods throughout the project, it thinks it can reduce the carbon footprint for this scheme’s construction by around 70%. 

In a post on its website it says the journey to this project “has been informed by countless innovations across the highway industry”. This included low carbon asphalt trials coordinated from a research lab at the University of Nottingham. 

It’ll develop the scheme using a variety of innovative solutions that are expected to deliver carbon savings. These include lower carbon materials, equipment and working methods such as enhanced road surface materials using materials with lower carbon content, longer-lasting road markings, electric rollers, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, an echelon paving method which minimises joints, extends the road’s lifespan and reduces maintenance-related disruption. There’ll also be solar-powered welfare facilities and 50% of cones featuring reflectors rather than battery powered lamps.

The project is being delivered by National Highways with Tarmac, HW Martin traffic management and Premier Roadmarkings.

“We’re taking positive steps towards a more sustainable, decarbonised future. We hope this project will pave the way for industry-wide changes, resulting in significant carbon savings and improved road surfaces for drivers, commented Angela Halliwell, Head of Carbon and Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Planning at National Highways.

(Picture – National Highways)