Tarmac and its supply chain achieved a 75% reduction in carbon emissions on the A64 for National Highways by leveraging advanced materials, manufacturing techniques, and machinery. This significant reduction was accomplished without relying on carbon offsetting to enhance the figures.
The trial involved repairing a 1.5-mile stretch of the A64 eastbound carriageway at junction 44 near Bramham in North Yorkshire.
Why is Lowering Carbon Emissions Important?
Lowering carbon emissions is critical for mitigating climate change, improving air quality, and ensuring a sustainable future. Note that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a primary contributor to global warming, trapping heat in the atmosphere and exacerbating the effects of climate change.
Furthermore, burning fossil fuels generates carbon emissions and releases harmful pollutants, including particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which negatively impact air quality and human health. Lowering carbon emissions can lead to cleaner air, reduce respiratory diseases, and promote overall well-being.
Reducing carbon emissions often involves transitioning to cleaner, more efficient energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower. This shift helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduces dependency on finite fossil fuel resources, strengthening energy security.
In roadwork, reducing emissions can be achieved by using sustainable materials like low-carbon asphalt and eco-friendly methods for road features. Alternatives such as recycled materials, bio-based binders, and low-carbon aggregates are effective for creating speed bumps, guardrails, and rumble strips that minimise environmental impact while maintaining safety and functionality.
Additionally, options like reusable rubber speed bumps, as well as rumble strips made from recycled tires and other waste materials, can provide a greener alternative to traditional concrete speed bumps. This further contributes to reduced waste products and overall promoting green practices and sustainability.
Investing in green technologies also creates new jobs and industries, stimulating economic growth while reducing the long-term costs of climate-related disasters. Reducing carbon emissions is vital to preserving natural resources, improving public health, and securing a more sustainable future for generations to come.
UK’s Lowest Carbon Resurfacing Trial Achieved on North Yorkshire’s A64
Over seven days, the team—HW Martin, Premier Road markings, Kier, and Mway Comms—utilised innovative low-carbon materials, eco-friendly paving technologies, and advanced equipment to achieve 260 tonnes of carbon savings.
Key contributions to the project’s carbon reduction included:
- 41.3% from low-carbon raw materials,
- 14.7% from sustainable transport and paving processes, including electric plant equipment,
- 44% from adopting sustainable manufacturing techniques.
The project incorporated warm mix asphalt and a Shell ‘carbon sink’ bio-component binder, which captures and locks carbon within the road structure. Recycled asphalt planings (RAP) were used in the pavement, with 40% in the lower layer and 20% in the surface course, reducing reliance on primary materials.
A variety of zero-emission vehicles and equipment, including electric and hybrid road rollers and an electric bond coat sprayer, further minimises noise, tailpipe emissions, and CO2. Many of the materials were supplied by Tarmac’s Cross Green asphalt plant in Leeds, which is powered by biofuel and clean electricity.
Enhanced construction techniques, such as the echelon paving method, allowed continuous paving across the road surface. This eliminated joins, reduced water infiltration, and produced a smoother, more durable pavement expected to last 20% longer than conventional surfaces. The smoother finish improves ride quality, reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions.
As part of the broader drive toward net zero pavements, the trial included a 150-metre section using a standard penetration grade binder and a small percentage of negative-carbon aggregate, creating the UK’s first net zero pavement.
Creation of UK’s First Net Zero Pavement
A 150-metre section was constructed using all the previously mentioned technologies to support the goal of achieving net zero pavements. This included a standard penetration grade binder and a small proportion of negative-carbon aggregate, creating the UK’s first net zero pavement.
“This trial sets a blueprint for low carbon delivery on the strategic road network and the exacting requirements of decarbonising every element of highway maintenance. It demonstrates how shorter, more focused use of road networks can improve efficiency, boost productivity and minimise nighttime closures, reducing disruption for road users.
“The ambitions of this scheme reflect our commitment to delivering not only low carbon pavements but also the significant benefits of new delivery models which will be essential as part of the transition to net zero,” Tarmac technical director Brian Kent said.
Angela Halliwell, National Highways’ Head of Carbon and Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Planning, stated, “We’re taking positive steps towards a more sustainable, decarbonised future. We hope this project will pave the way for industry-wide changes, resulting in significant carbon savings and improved road surfaces for drivers.
“National Highways has ambitious plans, backed by science, to decarbonise the road network. We aim to achieve net zero for our corporate emissions by 2030, our maintenance and construction activities by 2040, and our whole network by 2050.
“A net zero Britain will still travel by road, and finding low carbon ways to maintain our road network is vital. National Highways’ carbon management system and low carbon opportunities register capture innovations like those used on this project, with the intention to make them standard procedure across the road network in future.”
Final Words
The A64 resurfacing trial in North Yorkshire demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices to significantly reduce carbon emissions in road maintenance. Creating the UK’s first net zero pavement marks an important milestone in the transition toward a sustainable, decarbonised road network.
This trial not only supports National Highways’ ambitious goals for carbon reduction but also serves as a blueprint for future projects aimed at minimising environmental impact, improving road durability, and enhancing public health.
