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Roadwork recycles 56% of old materials, slashes emissions
9 Oct
Summary
- 56% of old road materials were recycled back into the new A46 bypass.
- The recycling effort reduced the scheme's carbon footprint by 23%.
- 17,432 tons of material were reused, saving it from landfill.
The A46 Warwick Bypass resurfacing project achieved a remarkable 56% recycling rate for old road materials, directly contributing to a 23% reduction in the scheme's carbon footprint. Over 17,432 tons of material were repurposed, diverting it from landfill across 3.5 miles of the northbound carriageway.
Led by Kier on behalf of National Highways, the project employed Aggregate Industries' ex situ cold recycled Foamix asphalt. This innovative, low-carbon solution involved processing tar-bound materials, which are typically hazardous waste, safely back into new pavement layers.
This method also enhanced site safety by allowing for cold processing at ambient temperatures, thus reducing worker exposure to asphalt fumes. The on-site mixing minimized vehicle movements, further cutting emissions and saving an estimated 82,000 road miles. The initiative aligns with National Highways' commitment to net-zero carbon by 2040 for road maintenance and construction.
