Heidelberg Materials UK has successfully completed a complex road resurfacing project in Cheddar Gorge, the deepest natural canyon in England.
The B3135 improvement scheme, part of the company’s term maintenance contract with Somerset Council, was carried out at night to minimise disruption at the popular tourist attraction. Parts of the programme required working through narrow sections of road with high rock faces as well as steep gradients up to 16 per cent.
Around 1,300 tonnes of worn out road surface was removed and recycled, where possible, back into the new asphalt, which was produced at the company’s Whatley quarry in the county. The team reduced the carbon emissions associated with the transportation of materials by using the same lorries to take the planings to the asphalt plant and return to site with the new asphalt when feasible.
More than 2,500 tonnes of Heidelberg Materials’ Tufflex asphalt was used to resurface the two-mile stretch of road. Tufflex provides a durable surface with high deformation resistance, minimising the impact of wheel rutting which can be an issue under heavy breaking. The product includes a polymer modified binder, providing flexibility to enhance fatigue resistance, and has a low void content, protecting the surface from water ingress.
“The B3135 through Cheddar Gorge is one of the most scenic roads in the country,” said Tim Doyle, Somerset Framework Manager at Heidelberg Materials UK.
“That status, nighttime working and the fact that it is bordered by SSSI and home to a large number of inquisitive wild goats and Soay sheep, created some challenging conditions for the team!
“The successful completion of the scheme, on time and on budget, is testament to the strong partnership with have developed with Somerset Council through our term maintenance contract.”
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste, said: “Cheddar Gorge is a British icon, so keeping the road in good condition is essential. This was a challenging project, and I am delighted that Heidelberg Materials has delivered it on time and on budget.”
