New 'eco-friendly' road made from recycled materials » Environment » 24dash.com

A new stretch of road made of material that is up to 95% recycled could be one of the country's most eco-friendly roads, its creators said today.

The new surface on the 765-yard section of the Cannizaro Road in Wimbledon, London - part of the borough of Merton - is made up of recycled materials from roads and railway ballast.

The five-week project was undertaken by Merton Council's term maintenance contractor FM Conway Ltd.

The road, running through Wimbledon Common, has previously suffered from edge defects and fretting because of lack of edge support and heavy use.

It has now been given granite kerbs, as well as a new surface with a 95% recycled binder, between the existing surface and covering surface, and the surface course, which is walked or driven on.

The new material, supplied by Yeoman Asphalt, part of Aggregate Industries, is thought to be the first time a surface and binder course with a 95% recycled content has been used anywhere in the UK.

The team behind it will now monitor the use of this new material to assess its performance in relation to conventional material.

FM Conway managing director Michael Conway said: "This is certainly one of the most eco-friendly roads in the UK.

"Contractors and manufacturers are working hard to offer authorities like Merton the opportunity to ensure an environmentally-friendly approach to projects of this nature and ensure that they address carbon footprint responsibilities."

Special products manager at Yeoman Asphalt, Chris Marchesi, added the "exceptional" project was leading the way in using recycled products as part of highways construction.

Merton's Head of Traffic and Highway Services Mario Lecordier added: "Tackling the climate change agenda through the development of innovative solutions is high on Merton's agenda.

"The London Borough of Merton is excited to be working in partnership with FM Conway and Aggregate Industries on this innovative project.

"The use of a 95% recycled material in Cannizaro Road demonstrates our commitment to the use of sustainable material while improving the boroughs road network for the benefit of residents and visitors."