Foambase® solution is being used to resurface the A368 at Chelwood. The solution is applied cold and recycles the existing aggregate on site, producing 50 per cent less CO₂ than traditional methods.

In total, 22,450m² of carriageway will be resurfaced as part of the scheme, which roughly equates to the size of three football pitches. The project will replace more than 1,500 tonnes of traditional hot asphalt with the Foambase® material, cutting 28,500kgs of CO₂ emissions.

This is one of a growing number of measures used by VolkerHighways and Bath and North East Somerset council to respond to the climate emergency and help it become carbon neutral. The team recently resurfaced 17,000m² of carriageway using another reduced carbon surfacing process that uses lower mix temperatures, less bitumen and less energy than more conventional methods.

Jerry Pert, operations director for VolkerHighways, said: “We’re pleased to be using Foambase® sustainable solution to deliver essential resurfacing works to the A368, helping to reduce our impact on the environment.”

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to deliver our essential works while still moving towards our goal of becoming carbon neutral. We know that using methods like this will help us tackle the climate emergency. We hope we can use this method in future projects to help our environment and save money.” 

The resurfacing works started on Monday 20 June and and will last for two weeks. The road will be closed overnight for two additional nights on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 July for additional works to replace existing high friction surfacing.

In addition, to make the most out of the road closure significant verge clearing, iron work replacement and gully reconstructions will also take place.