Welsh Govt trials new low-noise materials after previous failures

26/07/2018 | RHODRI CLARK

The Welsh Government is trialling two new materials for low-noise highway surfaces, after disappointment with the longevity of previous materials.

It hopes the new materials will retain their integrity for at least 12 years. Reducing the harmful effects of noise pollution from roads is a key element of the Welsh Government’s draft 2018-23 action plan on noise.

Interventions over the last five years have included installation of noise barriers at key locations on the trunk road network.

The draft action plan explains that previous low-noise materials and processes have not achieved the desired design life, causing disruption during maintenance interventions and potentially worsening noise pollution as vehicles traverse roughened surfaces.

A Welsh Government spokesman told Highways that in some cases the actual life was shorter than the five-year warranty, but claiming against the warranty was difficult because the process could be clouded by factors such as ‘supervision recording, substrate condition and subjective assessment of condition’.

The news may concern  some in Highways England where low noise surfacing is being used in key projects such as the A14 in order to support the environmental elements of the scheme, despite the potential to lower durability.

For the past 25 years, the Welsh Government has applied proprietary thin surface course systems (TSCSs) to its trunk roads.

‘These have varied greatly in quality, which is influenced primarily through installation and composition,’ he said. ‘In general TSCSs last between six and 11 years for Welsh strategic roads.’

Over the past year, the Government has been trialling a low noise stone mastic asphalts of its own specification. This is similar to materials used on German and Scottish roads but graded to incorporate the characteristics of Welsh aggregates.

It is made with a polymer modified binder and has been specified for three separate stone sizes.The Government expects this material to last for 16 years and more.

The material is undergoing a three-stage type approval test, starting with laboratory testing.The second stage saw the material installed at a quarry entrance. The third stage involves a location on the A55 Expressway.

The second low-noise material under trial is a cold applied ultra-thin surface course system (CAUTS), made with a smaller stone size (6mm) than regular systems and trialled with varying rates of binder application. This again uses a polymer modified binder.

The trial began in July on a 300-metre section of the A40 between Raglan and Abergavenny. The material’s adherence to concrete surfacing and its noise properties are being monitored. This material is expected to last for at least 12 years.

The Government is also studying possible treatment of concrete carriageways on the A55 at Ewloe, Flintshire, and the A483 at Wrexham.

The spokesman added: ‘The treatment utilises smaller stone sizes, which have been advantageous in TRL [Transport Research Laboratory] noise reduction tests, and a “lock in” treatment of fine binder spray to assist with retention of aggregate.’

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW