Gloucestershire County Council is ramping up efforts to tackle potholes using innovative repair techniques and eco-friendly materials
Gloucestershire: The county council is really stepping up its game when it comes to fixing potholes. They’ve been testing out different machines and methods to see what works best.
Recently, they had a sort of competition among pothole repair machines. It was all about finding the best way to fix those pesky road issues. Since July, engineers have been keeping an eye on how well the repairs hold up.
One standout was the Roadmender, which did a fantastic job in terms of quality and speed. Plus, it’s eco-friendly! They use a hot rubber asphalt mix made from recycled tires, which is pretty cool.
This method creates a strong, watertight seal over the damaged areas. It’s quick, looks good, and lasts longer than the usual repairs. In fact, they saved about 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions this summer compared to older methods.
They used this technique on 26 roads and recycled 675 tires in the process. The council isn’t stopping there; they’ll also keep using other machines like the Spray Injection Patching machine and a Bobcat for different types of repairs.
These machines are best for specific locations, so it’s all about picking the right tool for the job. They plan to use them more in spring and summer when winter’s wear and tear really shows on the roads.
Water and ice can turn into potholes as the weather warms up, so the council is keen on fixing smaller issues before they become big problems.
They’re also testing cold materials for repairs to cut down on waste and save energy. Plus, there’s a big road resurfacing program in the works.
Stephen Davies, the council leader, expressed his excitement about the new technology. He’s thrilled with the trial results and is committed to making the streets better for everyone.
Davies said, “Our highways teams are working tirelessly to improve roads across Gloucestershire, ensuring smoother journeys for all.”
