"Sort the 'Pothole Plague' or Lose Cash, Councils Warned"

This headline from the BBC highlights the UK’s ongoing pothole problem.

The televised report estimates that it would take £12-£16 billion to fix the issue, yet the newly allocated budget is just £1.6 billion — a mere fraction of what’s required.

But there’s more to the story.
When constructing new roads, hot asphalt mix is commonly used. This involves heating raw bitumen until it becomes fluid, mixing it with aggregate, and allowing it to cool and harden, forming a durable surface. However, using the same material for pothole repairs is impractical. Heating small quantities requires significant infrastructure, making it inefficient and costly.
Instead, lower-temperature alternatives are often used. These rely on the addition of petrochemicals and solvents to keep the material workable. Unfortunately, these solvents don’t fully dissipate, leading to inferior repairs that deteriorate quickly. Worse still, these chemicals release harmful emissions and contaminate local waterways.
The harsh reality is that much of the £1.6 billion in short-term spending will likely go toward temporary fixes that will fail within 6 to 18 months — a costly and unsustainable cycle.

A Smarter Solution: Hydro Asphalt
Hydro Asphalt offers a water-based bitumen binder that requires no heat, solvents, or petrochemicals. Its advanced water-bitumen emulsion can be used for both road construction and repairs, delivering results as durable as traditional hot mix asphalt.

The Benefits?
Environmentally Friendly: No harmful emissions or solvent pollution.
Cost-Effective: Reduced material and energy costs.
Long-Lasting Repairs: Comparable durability to hot asphalt.

It’s a win-win for government budgets, UK road users, and the environment.
It's time to rethink how we tackle the pothole crisis. Let's invest in solutions that offer lasting results.

#Sustainability #Infrastructure #RoadMaintenance #GreenTech #Innovation #HydroAsphalt #Potholes #GovernmentPolicy #RoadConstruction