Pioneering Carbon-Negative Aggregate Trials on M11 Motorway by National Highways

National Highways has embarked on an innovative journey to address climate change by trialling a new carbon-negative aggregate on a stretch of the M11 motorway. This initiative is part of their commitment to reducing carbon emissions in road construction and maintenance, aligned with their broader strategy for achieving net-zero carbon targets.

Unveiling the Carbon-Negative Aggregate

The revolutionary aggregate, developed by Low Carbon Materials (LCM), is the first of four projects funded by National Highways’ Accelerating Low Carbon Innovation competition to reach the trial phase. The competition aimed to identify and support innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of road construction and maintenance. Each of the four selected firms received up to £80,000 to bring their concepts to life.

LCM’s ACLA carbon-negative aggregate was chosen for its potential to significantly cut carbon emissions without disrupting existing construction processes. The trial is being conducted with the support of industry giants Skanska and Tarmac on the northbound carriageway of the M11 in Essex, between junctions 7 and 8. This segment will undergo essential resurfacing and maintenance, incorporating the new aggregate into the asphalt concrete binder course.

Testing Under Real-World Conditions

The trial involves laying a test strip of asphalt containing LCM’s carbon-negative aggregate alongside a control strip using conventional aggregate. This setup will allow for a direct comparison of performance under real-world traffic conditions. National Highways will closely monitor the sections to evaluate the durability and effectiveness of the new material.

Dr. Joanna White, National Highways’ Research, Development, and Innovation Director, emphasised the importance of this trial: “Solutions like this could have a real impact on our road to net-zero carbon. We are delighted to have accelerated the development of the product and to test it on one of our roads.”

The Path to Innovation and Collaboration

The Accelerating Low Carbon Innovation competition, launched in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, is part of National Highways’ Designated Funds initiative. This initiative aims to invest in projects that deliver lasting benefits for road users, the environment, and communities across England. An innovation showcase held at The Barbican in June highlighted various trials and technologies developed through this funding.

The event included discussions with supply chain members, addressing barriers to innovation deployment and sharing strategies to overcome these challenges. The collaborative effort is evident in the partnership between National Highways, Skanska, Tarmac, and LCM, demonstrating a robust approach to bringing innovative solutions to market swiftly.

Other Promising Innovations

The competition also supported three other firms, each working on groundbreaking projects:

• PRG (Scotland) Limited, Hamilton: Developing a bitumen-like substance from waste tyres, offering a sustainable solution for road construction and repairs.
• Circular11 Ltd, Christchurch, Dorset: Creating highly durable, maintenance-free fencing from mixed low-grade plastic, which can be recycled at end-of-life.
• Asset International Structures, Cwmbran: Innovating smart fibre-reinforced polymer bridge beams with integrated optical fibres for real-time structural performance monitoring.

Industry and Expert Endorsements

Low Carbon Materials’ Chief Executive Officer, Natasha Boulding, expressed gratitude for the support received: “We are excited by National Highways’ recognition of the potential of our carbon-negative aggregate. A motorway trial represents a significant step towards lower carbon roads and widespread adoption.”

Skanska’s Chief Engineer, Paul Cole, praised the programme’s efficacy: “The programme has been very successful, and National Highways’ Safety, Engineering, and Standards teams have supported it throughout. It is amazing what can be achieved through effective collaboration.”

Tim Smith, Senior Technical Manager (South East) at Tarmac, highlighted the importance of fast-tracking such innovations: “Working towards net zero is a priority for Tarmac and our clients. This trial represents another important example of how our industry can rapidly develop and trial innovations, getting them from the laboratory and out onto the road network.”

Alex Weedon, Executive Director of SME Development and Academic Engagement at Connected Places Catapult, echoed these sentiments: “Innovative companies on the programme have been supported by the Catapult with investment, business, and marketing support; and it is great to see each of them make good progress towards real-world implementation.”

The Road Ahead

The trial of LCM’s carbon-negative aggregate on the M11 is a crucial step towards sustainable road construction. If successful, this innovation could revolutionise the industry, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. National Highways’ commitment to fostering such advancements showcases the potential of collaborative innovation in achieving environmental sustainability goals. The results of this trial will be eagerly awaited by the industry and environmental advocates alike, paving the way for a greener future in road construction.

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