New asphalt technology is helping the Schrinner Council deliver a record road resurfacing program across some of Brisbane’s busiest streets.
After successful testing, new asphalt mixes containing higher levels of recycled glass, recycled road materials and crumbed rubber are now being rolled out as part of Operation Smooth.
The improved mixes increase recycled asphalt content from 15 per cent to 20 per cent, using 20,000 fewer tonnes of raw material each year and saving an estimated $1.2 million in annual bitumen costs so the Schrinner Council can deliver more for less.
Making asphalt at lower temperatures is also being trialled, with early testing showing energy use could eventually be reduced by up to 30 per cent without affecting quality or durability.
This new approach supports the Schrinner Council’s $110 million investment in Operation Smooth, which will resurface almost one million square metres of road surface this financial year.
Operation Smooth follows the Big Fill pothole blitz, which at its peak repaired one pothole every two minutes across Brisbane in response to heavy rain.
By finding smarter ways to build and maintain roads, the Schrinner Council is delivering better value for residents while keeping Brisbane moving.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
“Operation Smooth is a record investment in road resurfacing and we’re finding smarter ways to make every dollar work harder for residents.
“By increasing recycled material in our asphalt and improving the way it’s produced, we’re reducing costs while continuing to deliver high-quality roads across Brisbane.
“Innovation like this helps us keep Brisbane moving while keeping costs down for residents.
“Operation Smooth will resurface almost one million square metres including some of Brisbane’s busiest roads so residents can enjoy safer, smoother journeys wherever they live.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Major Contractors Association CEO Andrew Chapman
“There is a massive pipeline of work across South East QLD and indeed the state over the next 5-10 years and with reducing supply from existing sources the use of recycled materials is becoming ever so more important.
“The QMCA is actually hosting a discussion on this topic next week, so it very timely that Council are showing leadership in pushing this now too.
“One of the biggest challenges with the circular economy in infrastructure is ensuring that there is a demand from key clients for these materials.
“Council is showing leadership in this respect and we commend them for this.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive, National Transport Research Organisation, Michael Caltabiano
“The roads of today are the quarries of tomorrow and are all 100% recyclable. Advanced efforts to deliver higher levels of recycled asphalt back into our road structures are welcome with the appropriate higher levels of engineering design to support smarter and more sustainable outcomes.
“Brisbane City Council is a leader in the continuous improvement and incorporation of recycled products into the road network. The focus on recycled asphalt is great as this is the highest value part of the road structure and delivers the greatest value uplift for the ratepayers of Brisbane.
“The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) has a long-standing relationship with Brisbane City Council and is very supportive of the continuous efforts to drive sustainable and resilient outcomes on our road system.”
