Project to recycle roads as part of innovative repair programme

A sustainable way to repair the carriageway using recycled materials is set to be used on two roads in the borough

Repairs will take place on the Middleton Road to Sadberge Road and Hewitson Road during September and October

In both cases, the existing road materials will be recycled and reused on site as part of the new road construction, saving money and benefitting the environment.

The repair system works by pulverising the existing road material which would normally be excavated, removed and replaced.

The pulverised material is mixed with cement and water on site and relayed before a new surface layer is put on top.

This process is a lot quicker than traditional road repairs methods as the old material does not need to be excavated and disposed of -  it is simply treated and reused on site.  This minimises the time the roads need to be closed.
Not only does it save money by taking less time but the cost of removing waste material from the site is also reduced considerably.

This way of working  reduces the council’s carbon footprint as less materials are quarried and driven to and from site during the repairs.

The Middleton Road to Sadberge Road repairs will be strengthened with extra material which was excavated during road repairs elsewhere in the borough and stored rather than disposed of.

The recycling process is not suitable for all roads, but where possible the council intends to use this process it in the future.

Andy Keir, cabinet member for local services, said: “We have carried out a few of these recycling road schemes in the past and I am delighted that two more will take place this month.

“This method of road repair is better for the environment and costs less so it is a win-win situation. I am also glad that materials from more traditional road repairs are being recycled and used.”

“Before we do any road repairs we carry out extensive investigations and, in future, where it is suitable will be using this recycling method."