A90 gets a novel retread from Breedon Aggregates

Successful trial of new asphalt modified with rubber from recycled tyres on one of Scotland’s busiest roads

THE first major UK trial of a new asphalt made partly from recycled waste tyres has been successfully completed on behalf of Transport Scotland by Breedon Aggregates.

Late last month a short stretch of the A90 dual carriageway between Perth and Dundee was resurfaced with the revolutionary material and a recently completed ‘grip test’ (pictured) on the new surface has now confirmed its viability.

This stretch of road is one of the busiest in Scotland, carrying around 35,000 vehicles a day.  Over the next few months the material will be closely monitored against a number of key performance criteria, including skid resistance, but early indications are said to very encouraging.

Unlike previous attempts at using rubber in asphalt, which usually involved trying to melt the rubber completely before mixing it with stone and bitumen, Breedon Aggregates have secured access to new technology from Danish company Genan which allows them to incorporate rubber particles directly into the binding agent. This is achieved at lower temperatures, with lower levels of emissions, bringing significant environmental benefits.

‘This could transform our approach to road surfacing in the UK,’ said Alan Mackenzie, chief executive of Breedon Aggregates Scotland. ‘Our industry has been trying for years to successfully incorporate recycled rubber into asphalt, without much success. Thanks to this new technology, which we are partnering with Genan to promote in the UK, we can help change that.

‘We’re bringing to market an asphalt which is more economical and environmentally friendly than any comparable product currently available. We’ll be drawing on a readily available recycled raw material, reducing the proportion of expensive stone and bitumen in the mix and cutting the amount of gases and fumes produced, so it’s an all-round win for us and for our customers.’

Following the success of the trial in Scotland, Breedon Aggregates will now begin to market the new material, known as Breedon Polymer R+, from their 18 asphalt plants throughout Scotland and England.