Recycled road surfacing
Southampton
This innovative recycled road surfacing project in Southampton was completed by over 20 highly skilled operatives, supervisors and engineers from Roadways’ in-house team. This recycled road will last for decades longer than the two-to-five years expected from a simple resurfacing job.
Completed ahead of time
Road surface lasts longer
40% carbon saving
CHALLENGE
The total area to be upgraded in Spencer Road, Southampton, was approximately 1,100 sq m – around the size of five tennis courts.
Traditionally, roads like this would be merely resurfaced.
Longevity would not be ensured and asphalt would continue to fail due to poor road foundations. The road would need to be resurfaced again in two to three years – or sooner.
This repair project was carried out during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. Roadways operatives are considered key workers as they help keep the region’s roads and footpaths repaired and operational.
PROJECT SCOPE
Roadways’ client took a strategic approach to road maintenance. They invested in fixing the underlying problems by rebuilding the road on a new foundation – lessening the need for future roadworks and disruption.
This method, in line with Roadways’ sustainable approach, sees the new foundation built using modern, environmentally-focused technologies.
Carbon savings are made by recycling materials dug from the existing broken road. Further environmental benefits come from avoiding aggregates taken from the sea or quarries and diverting waste from landfill.
This follows ‘circular economy’ principles: designing waste out of the environment, keeping materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
Over £1m-worth of machinery was deployed during the project including Roadways’ own highways and construction waste recycling plant.
This innovative project was completed by over 20 highly skilled operatives, supervisors and engineers from Roadways’ in-house team.
THE RESULTS
- Innovative recycling approach to road maintenance
- Job completed ahead of schedule, with less disruption
- Roads are stronger so last longer
- 40% cost saving for taxpayers
- Money raised for charity during job
The recycled road will last for decades instead of the two-to-five years expected from a simple resurfacing job.
COMMUNITY WORK DURING THE PROJECT
During this project we helped elderly residents by removing construction waste from their front gardens. As a thank you they donated to the Wessex Heartbeat charity.
On a separate occasion, Roadways donated £250 to Southampton City Council’s ‘Mayor’s Christmas Toy Appeal’ for Christmas presents to be given to children/young adults identified by their social/support worker as unlikely to otherwise receive a gift.
FURTHER PROJECTS, SOUTHAMPTON
Southampton City Council were so pleased with the work done at Spencer Road that they commissioned Roadways and Balfour Beatty Living Places for many other road recycling projects in Southampton, using the same construction technique.
" The workmen turned up on time and obviously gave considerable thought to solving the problems the odd shape posed. They were also professional and friendly. I am delighted with the finished result and would be happy to recommend this company. "