State-of-the-art technology creates smoother journeys for drivers
Road users will get a smoother driving experience thanks to the pioneering technology used to resurface roads in north Yorkshire.
Highways England is taking an innovative approach to reconstructing a 10-mile stretch of the A1(M) southbound carriageway between Leeming and Ripon interchange.
The environmentally friendly method will see around 100,000 tonnes of tarmac being laid in a faster manner than usual, with 60% less waste going to landfill.
The technology – a machine called a cold repaver – grinds up the road to be recycled, combining it with fresh bitumen and cement before laying it back down immediately.
Highways England project manager Ted Chamberlain said:
We used this method last year on the northbound carriageway and it was a great success. The machine allows us to reconstruct bigger areas of road much faster. The wagons don’t have to make anywhere near as many trips, and the new road lasts a lot longer, meaning we won’t need to repeat the process for up to 20 years.
This technology was rolled out in 2016 when we resurfaced a stretch of the A1 in Northumberland, and the lessons we learnt from that work gave us the chance to refine the process and provide an even smoother journey for drivers.
The resurfacing is due to start on Monday 29 July, and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Two lanes will remain open in both directions for the duration of the scheme and a speed limit will be in place for the safety of road workers and drivers.
From Monday 22 July there will be a week of lane and carriageway closures overnight so the team can install a contraflow, where both north and southbound traffic will travel on the northbound carriageway. During this work clearly signed diversions will be in place.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
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Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.