Disruption on the M62 has been minimised – in both the short and long term – following an asphalt preservation project delivered by specialists Velocity.
Carried out over three nights, Velocity applied a unique asphalt preservation product to all three running lanes covering 55,000m2 along the stretch of the motorway in Knowsley.
Exclusive to Velocity, Everphalt is proven to ‘lock in’ the condition of the asphalt while it remains in good condition, helping to prevent defects from occurring. Crucially, the product contains Gilsonite, a naturally occurring bitumen. Solvent based, it penetrates the road surface to depths of 30mm. It sets hard within microcracks and voids, protecting the asphalt from the ingress of water and oxidisation, helping to slow deterioration for a period of up to five years.
Protecting the motorway with asphalt preservation minimises disruption on the crucial route in two ways: installation is fast and involves just one pass of one machine, while protecting the surface can reduce the need for more costly and disruptive interventions later in its surface life.
Prior to works the cat’s eyes were masked. White-lines were renewed during the same closure, ready for the motorway to reopen to traffic in the early hours of the morning.
Close collaboration between Knowsley Borough Council, maintenance contractor Tarmac, traffic management and white-lining contractors ensured that the closures could begin as late as traffic levels permitted. All work was completed comfortably in time for the motorway to reopen to traffic safely.
Brian Murphy, service manager at Tarmac, said:
The time spent in planning the works I believe got us to site in a good position which then led to quality safe site delivery.”
The project forms part of a full order book for Velocity as more highway authorities realise the benefits of protecting the assets they have invested in. As well as the motorway and A-road networks, installations have been carried out on rural roads, residential roads and other local routes. It is suitable for any asphalt surface that is in a good condition, helping to preserve them before more expensive repairs become necessary.
Gavin Blogg, Velocity’s business development manager, said: “We have seen a big push this year from local authorities to respond to the Department for Transport’s initiatives. Preservation is increasingly becoming part of their asset management strategies.
“Asphalt preservation fits right at the top of maintenance hierarchy. We prevent deterioration of the road surface. We prevent disruption on the sites that would cause the biggest headaches if they failed. We prevent the unnecessary use of virgin aggregates and energy inefficient processes.
“We are now seeing asset managers plan repeat treatments on a five-year cycle and expand their use of asphalt preservation, protecting their assets and the environment.”
