West Berkshire Council, in conjunction with highways service provider VolkerHighways, has announced progress on several local carbon-reduction road schemes.
While working on a highway improvement scheme along the A343 Andover Road, Newbury, VolkerHighways said it reduced CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) by more than 46 tonnes; it claims this is the equivalent of driving 140,000 miles (225,308km).
Phase one of the work consisted of the installation of a new cycleway using Foambase M-LS from OCL Regeneration, which provides sustainable building materials.
VolkerHighways claims to have laid 60mm of Foambase M-LS as a binder course, which should contribute to offsetting the emissions of 20mm of surface course.
What’s more, VolkerHighways used a warm 10mm asphalt wearing course, which it says will further reduce the carbon output of the road.
Phase two of the project involved resurfacing the carriageway using Miles Macadam’s Milepave product, which the company describes as a reduced-carbon surfacing process. The greener credentials of the product come from its use of lower mixing temperatures, energy resources and bitumen content compared to conventional products, Miles Macadam said.
More than 25,000m² (269,000ft²) of grouted Macadam surfacing was laid, which consists of 2,061 tonnes of 40mm Milepave and 96 tonnes of binder course. This equals a total of 112 tonnes of total CO2 emissions, including the carbon produced by subcontractors.
By using Milepave, there was a reported saving of 295 tonnes in aggregate and 38 tonnes in asphalt, compared to conventional warm mix material and a typical non-carbon neutral surfacing contractor.
Richard Somner, councillor executive member for planning, transport and countryside, at West Berkshire Council, said: “The work on the A343, with our partners, once again highlights a combined ambition to do all we can to reduce our carbon footprint across the district.
“The changes in technology and processes to achieve this reduction of 46 tonnes is impressive and we hope to continue this great achievement on future projects.”
According to the council, 300 trees will be sourced by VolkerHighways and Miles Macadam to accompany the surfacing works finished during the 2022 highway improvement programme; these are set to be planted this autumn.
The council also claims that, during the coming years, the trees will absorb and store carbon dioxide and enhance the local landscape for wildlife and residents.
In addition to this, VolkerHighways also approached WJ road marking specialists and chose its biogenic product ‘Weatherline’, which it claims led to only five tonnes of CO2 being produced during works, compared to 17 tonnes resulting from standard hydrocarbon-based material.
