One of the most impactful works in National Highways’ concrete repair programme was completed in the middle of August 2024, and the results of this work could have a major impact on the future of the concrete road network.
This work, which took place on the A12 Margaretting Bypass was unusual compared to the work completed during the Concrete Roads programme so far, as it involved removing the concrete surface entirely, repairing some of the foundations and rebuilding the whole road with an asphalt resurfacing job.
This is not the first roadworks completed as part of the National Highways scheme to revitalise the 640km of concrete roads remaining in England, which had lasted far longer than they were expected to.
This has meant that, whilst they lasted nearly half a century with relatively minimal repairs, they have reached a cliff-edge point where they need more substantial repairs to keep to a high standard.
This meant that, whilst cheap during their life cycle, they became more expensive once they reached the end of this life.
As well as this, older concrete roads are notable for the noise level caused by the vibrations of the tyres hitting the joints and cracks, which can affect the concentration, due care and attention of a driver throughout a lengthy journey.
These roads, largely found in the South East of England, make up four per cent of the motorway and A-roads in the country, and half of them will need either substantial repairs or replacing entirely.
The A12 project was the first concrete stretch of road that has been reconstructed entirely, with an eye to recycle as much of the demolished concrete as possible and design the road with carbon reduction in mind.
Whether this is the path that other concrete roads in the network take remains to be seen, but it sets the precedent that if replacement is the most cost-effective solution, the replacement road might not also be made of concrete.