Tarmac tackles rising cost of bitumen

Tarmac is launching a new highways division to help cut the cost of resurfacing roads for contractors and clients.

The launch of Tarmac Pavement Solutions comes as the rising cost of bitumen changes the way roads are built and maintained.

Tarmac Pavement Solutions will produce and supply cement-bound and recycled materials.

Bitumen prices have risen by 60% over the last two years leading to the use of more cement-bound or recycled asphalt systems on road projects.

Cement-bound pavements consist of a hydraulic-bound mixture used as the base layer – predominantly a cement-bound granular material – which is then surfaced with conventional asphalt.

Tarmac Pavement Solutions will be managed by Richard Vine, National Contracting Regional Director

He said: “With bitumen accounting for around a third of the cost of building a new road, its price volatility means that the sector must embrace cement-bound materials and reduce its reliance on bitumen.

“Driving greater uptake of recycled asphalt is also key to cutting costs and meeting environmental targets and our new service builds upon our extensive expertise in this area.

“We also believe that the durability of cement-bound material provides commercial opportunities in sectors such as ports and aviation.”