Essex County Council’s use of graphene-enhanced asphalt has produced ‘very encouraging’ results.
The trial involved the local authority laying the stronger material, which is more costly than regular asphalt, on areas of Chelmsford’s A1016 roads to help improve surfaces.
According to the results of the trial, the new substance protected roads more effectively against traffic and weather damage.
JLUK's business unit manager, James Stokes, told the BBC that the graphene-infused material produced stiffness test results that were 10% better than those delivered by standard asphalt, as well as a 20% improvement in water sensitivity terms.
Cllr Tom Cunningham, Conservative cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and sustainable transport, said: ‘It's a battle to maintain our 5,000 miles of roads so we have to find innovative ways of making them last longer for residents.
Cllr Cunningham added that the council is considering a ‘range of options to address the roads problem’ to ensure budget limitations are accounted for.
For more on this topic, check out LocalGov's 'How to Fix Local Roads' guide.
