Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead highway cabinet member invited to learn about thermal road repair solution
A thermal road repair specialist infrared heater, specifically designed to be used on the highway, was recently demonstrated to the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead highway and transport cabinet member, Councillor Geoff Hill, as part of VolkerHighways’ Project Pothole initiative.
The solution quickly heats up the existing asphalt surface in need of repair, which can then be easily reworked using hand tools before a rejuvenator and fresh material is added to the heated asphalt. The area is then reprofiled level with the surrounding road surface and compacted.
The infrared technology is being used for repairs by ‘recycling’ the existing material in areas of the borough. It provides increased durability of repairs by eliminating weaknesses created by additional joints in the surface.
Thermal road repair is an integral part of VolkerHighways’ suite of innovative, low-carbon, high productivity solutions to the national problem of potholes.
In Windsor, it is being used over the summer months to review its capability and the assessment has been funded using money from the Department for Transport.
Councillor Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We now have the opportunity to use this technology in an expanded trial to tackle road repairs in the borough. We are committed to exploring and using alternative, more sustainable and efficient ways to keep our highways in good working order and the benefits of this technology are far-reaching.
“This process is more energy-efficient, is less labour-intensive resulting in greater productivity, and eliminates the need for excavation making it safer and easier for access requirements. It is also more environmentally friendly with zero material going to landfill and delivers carbon savings compared to traditional construction. There are also benefits for residents with less noise and vibration, no dust and fewer people working on site.
“This technology supports our drive as a borough to reach net zero carbon emission by 2050 at the latest, as well as improve the way we provide services for residents.”