The UK will see its first trunk road resurfaced using groundbreaking laser scanning technology, enhancing road quality and sustainability.
- The A889 through Dalwhinnie in Scotland is the site of this pioneering resurfacing project, led by Bear Scotland and employing Smooth Ride technology.
- This innovative approach, traditionally reserved for airfields and race tracks, promises a significantly smoother and more durable road surface.
- The project aims to reduce the amount of bituminous material used, cutting carbon emissions and promoting better drainage.
- Completion is scheduled over 20 nights from 30 September to 26 October, with work performed by Breedon Trading.
The A889 in Scotland is set to become the first trunk road in the UK to undergo resurfacing using laser scanning technology, a method poised to optimise outcomes in terms of road smoothness and longevity. This innovative technique, managed by Bear Scotland for Transport Scotland, will deploy Smooth Ride technology, typically applied on airfields, to scan and adjust the road surface accordingly. Starting on 30 September, the endeavour is slated to span 20 nights, completing by 26 October.
Utilising Smooth Ride technology on the A889 aligns with efforts to elevate road quality across the UK. Historically, achieving an even surface on aged roads has posed challenges, yet this technology promises to address such obstacles effectively. The project also aims to lessen the environmental impact by using less bituminous material, consequently reducing emissions and facilitating improved water drainage.
The technology has a proven track record on high-performance surfaces, including race tracks like Silverstone and Donington Park. As Ian Stewart, Bear Scotland’s north west representative, notes, this is a substantial step towards enhancing the driving experience by fixing ongoing defects and potentially setting a new standard for trunk road resurfacing across the UK.
The local community and road users in Dalwhinnie are advised to plan ahead, as roadworks continue overnight to minimise disruption. Authorities encourage checking the Traffic Scotland website for the latest updates to avoid any inconvenience during the resurfacing period. This project not only represents an advancement in road maintenance but also a commitment to exploring technologies that could influence future infrastructure undertakings.
The A889 project signifies a leap forward in using technology for sustainable road maintenance.
