Drivers in East Anglia are set to experience smoother journeys on a stretch of the A47, thanks to a groundbreaking road resurfacing project that is setting new standards for environmental sustainability in UK infrastructure.
A Greener Way to Resurface Roads
National Highways has successfully overseen a low-carbon resurfacing of the A47 between Acle and Great Yarmouth. In a significant departure from traditional methods, the project was delivered by contractors Heidelberg Materials and WSP with a sharp focus on reducing its carbon footprint.
The key to this initiative is a new structural layer for the road that is composed of more than 90% recycled materials. This marks a dramatic increase compared to conventional pavement layers, which typically incorporate far less reclaimed asphalt.
Slashing Emissions with Innovative Technology
The environmental benefits of this approach are substantial. By utilising a nearby recycling plant and pioneering methods, the project is predicted to save a remarkable 400 tonnes of CO2 compared to previous techniques.
To put this achievement into perspective, the carbon saving is equivalent to the energy required to power 142 average UK households for an entire year.
Further boosting its green credentials, the project made extensive use of hydrogen-powered and electrified machinery, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable construction.
Expert Insights on a Carbon-Conscious Future
Alice Grandidge, the Project Manager for National Highways, emphasised the importance of a holistic approach. She stated that the scheme was an ideal opportunity to resurface effectively but in a low-carbon way, considering everything from the materials and their source to the mixing process and work timing. "All these aspects combined together save carbon... it makes it one of the greenest major road resurfacing projects and is a major step towards carbon zero highways," she said.
Scott Cooper, Managing Director of Contracting at Heidelberg Materials UK, highlighted the power of collaboration. He explained that a change in design specification to use evoBuild foamed asphalt dramatically increased the recycled content and provided substantial CO₂ savings compared to traditional hot mix asphalt. "The addition of the extensive use of electrified plant demonstrated what the future of road laying could look like," he added.
Echoing this sentiment, Dermott Doyle, Technical Director at WSP, commented on the project's success in balancing operational needs with environmental responsibility, calling it an "excellent example of sustainable highway construction in practice."
With National Highways resurfacing over 1,200 lane miles annually, the successful implementation of such low carbon road techniques on the A47 serves as a crucial blueprint for future projects across the country, signalling a greener direction for the UK's transport network.
