UK Road Resurfacing Trial Cuts Carbon Emissions by 75%

Image Credit: National Highways

Tarmac and National Highways have set a new benchmark for sustainable road maintenance by delivering a 75% reduction in carbon emissions during a strategic resurfacing trial on the A64. This project marks one of the UK’s lowest-carbon resurfacing schemes on a strategic road network, achieved without carbon offsetting.

The project delivered over 260 tonnes of carbon savings through collaboration with supply chain partners, leveraging an extensive suite of low-carbon materials and innovative technologies. The initiative showcased a comprehensive approach to carbon reduction, with 41.3% of savings coming from low-carbon raw materials, 14.7% from material transport and paving processes, and 44% from sustainable manufacturing techniques.

Key innovations included warm mix asphalt and a cutting-edge ‘carbon sink’ bio-component binder from Shell, which locks carbon into the road structure, preventing its release into the atmosphere. The lower pavement layers also incorporated 40% recycled asphalt planings (RAP), with 20% RAP in the surface course, significantly reducing reliance on virgin materials.

The project also featured zero-emission plant vehicles, including electric and hybrid road rollers and an electric bond coat sprayer. These technologies not only cut CO2 emissions but also minimized noise and other tailpipe pollutants, highlighting a holistic approach to sustainability.

Many of the materials were manufactured at Tarmac’s Cross Green asphalt plant in Leeds, which is powered by a mix of biofuel and clean electricity. This further reinforces the project’s commitment to decarbonization.

Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, this trial serves as a blueprint for the sector, offering vital insights and practical approaches to overcoming the industry-wide challenge of reducing carbon emissions. By sharing lessons learned, Tarmac and National Highways aim to inspire widespread adoption of these sustainable practices, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in road construction and maintenance.

This project is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and commitment in driving the decarbonization of the transport infrastructure sector.

Brian Kent, National Technical Director at Tarmac, said: 

“This trial sets a blueprint for low carbon delivery on the strategic road network and the exacting requirements of decarbonising every element of highways maintenance. It demonstrates how shorter, more focused use of road networks can improve efficiency, boost productivity and minimise nighttime closures, reducing disruption for road users.

“The ambitions of this scheme reflect our commitment to delivering not only low carbon pavements but also the significant benefits of new delivery models, which will be essential as part of the transition to net zero.”

Angela Halliwell, Head of Carbon and Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Planning National Highways, said: 

“National Highways has ambitious plans, backed by science, to decarbonise the road network. We aim to achieve net zero for our corporate emissions by 2030, for our maintenance and construction activities by 2040, and for our whole network by 2050.

“A net zero Britain will still travel by road, and finding low carbon ways to maintain our road network is vital. National Highways’ carbon management system and low carbon opportunities register to capture innovations like those used on this project, with the intention to make them standard procedure across the road network in future.”