With a focus on finding innovative ways to honour its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Waratah-Wynyard Council is leading the way on the North-West coast by using innovative solutions for road resealing.
With the recent tender for Martin Street in Wynyard, Council explored the option of using recycled crumb rubber to resurface roadways. It is seen as an environmentally sustainable, cost effective and long-lasting solution.
The crumb rubber process currently used in Tasmania was developed by Fulton Hogan in collaboration with Tyre Steward Tasmania. End-of-life tyres are taken from landfills and are mixed with recycled glass bottles to produce the crumb rubber asphalt. This asphalt is more durable and cost-effective than ordinary bitumen.
“Council is eager to try this new crumb rubber on our roads. By reducing the amount of car and truck tyres accumulating in landfill, we are continuing to do our part to create a sustainable future” Waratah-Wynyard Council Mayor Robby Walsh said.
Along with environmental sustainability, limiting the wear and tear on roadways is a consistent focus for Council. With road maintenance accounting for a large portion of the annual budget, ensuring the longevity of local roadways is a priority.
The crumb rubber asphalt has elastic properties, making roads less prone to cracking and bleeding, ending their lifespan.
“Using a more elastic product for resurfacing will also help make our roads safer for travel, especially in the stormy winter months,” the Mayor said.
Council will also reseal Raglan Street in Somerset as a future crumb rubber project.
For more information please contact Council’s Manager of Engineering and Projects, Corey Gould, by email at cgould@warwyn.tas.gov.au.
Authorised for general media distribution by Shane Crawford, General Manager, Waratah-Wynyard Council on Thursday, August 19, 2021.