Heidelberg Materials UK supports active travel route with low carbon asphalt
Product: low carbon asphalt using
CarbonLock bitumen
Volume: 430 tonnes
Main Contractor: BDS Yorkshire
Client: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Overview
Heidelberg Materials UK supplied 430 tonnes of
CarbonLock low carbon asphalt to resurface a 1.2km section of the Padiham Greenway, helping to support sustainable active travel in Lancashire. The solution reduced the scheme’s carbon footprint by at least 25 per cent, saving 5.6 tonnes of CO2 while maintaining high performance for this busy community route.
Project description
Heidelberg Materials UK has supplied 430 tonnes of low carbon asphalt to resurface a 1.2km section of the Padiham Greenway cycle route, near Burnley, Lancashire.
The Padiham Greenway route, which follows the former Burnley to Padiham railway line, supports active travel and is widely used by cyclists and pedestrians as a link between Padiham, surrounding villages and Burnley city centre. It is part of the National Cycle Network and the improvement work was funded by National Highways.
The scheme was delivered by contractor, BDS Yorkshire, for Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, which is responsible for maintaining the route. To meet the project’s sustainability objectives, Heidelberg Materials recommended the use of its CarbonLock biogenic asphalt, as well as using locally sourced aggregate from its Coldstones quarry in Pateley Bridge.
This sustainable asphalt solution reduced the carbon footprint of the scheme by at least 25 per cent compared to a standard hot mix asphalt, saving 5.6 tonnes of CO2 along the 1.2km section. The scheme also resulted in reduced transport-related emissions through the use of local materials.
The works were scheduled to coincide with bridge repairs over the River Calder, helping to reduce overall closure times and allowing the route to be reopened as quickly as possible.
CarbonLock asphalt contains biogenic material within the binder that absorb and store CO2 from the atmosphere during their life. This CO2 is permanently ‘locked’ into the asphalt, even when it’s recycled at the end of its life, reducing the carbon footprint of the asphalt.
James Playford, Regional Director of Asphalt at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: “Working as a key supplier to BDS Yorkshire in the north, we delivered a lower carbon solution without compromising on the performance requirements of the asphalt needed for this busy community route. The client’s collaborative approach was key, enabling with us to navigate challenges successfully and keep the project moving forward.”
Matt Cragg, Senior QS and Project Manager at BDS Yorkshire said: “We were extremely pleased with the quality of the finished product and overall aesthetics of the project.
“Communication around deliveries was clear and consistent and any problems were handled quickly and effectively. Heidelberg Materials worked closely with us to overcome challenges along the way which was key to achieving such a strong result.”
Danny Morris, Network Development Manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, added: “The new improvements make the cycleway more accessible and for people using a wheelchair or other mobility aid as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
“It is a well-used route and the improvements will have a really positive impact on those living in the local community.”
Freda Rashdi, Head of Customer Journey, National Highways, said: “We are delighted to support improvements to the Padiham Greenway through our Designated Funds programme, helping to create a safer, more accessible route for people walking, wheeling and cycling in the area.
“This highlights how investment in active travel can benefit local people while encouraging lower carbon construction.”
