What is Highway Preservation?
Highway preservation is a kind of highway repair. More specifically, it is work undertaken to improve or sustain the quality of transport infrastructure. It is crucial for transportation networks, including roads and footpaths, to remain in good condition to allow for safe and efficient travel. This is especially important for the smooth operation of the economy, which relies on the quick transportation of goods and access to services.
Highway preservation does not usually refer to works undertaken with the aim of adding capacity or structural capacity. Instead, it keeps existing surfaces in optimum condition to allow a regular flow of traffic on safe roadways.
Types of Highway Preservatives
Surface Dressing Emulsions
Surface dressing emulsions are extensively used during highway preservation. Surface dressing is a type of preventative road maintenance. It is applied to roads to prevent further deterioration of the surface. The surface dressing works to make road surfaces waterproof whilst protecting against further water damage. Crucially, surface dressing reduces the occurrence of potholes, making roads much safer for users.
At BituChem, we offer a comprehensive range of polymer modified surface dressing emulsions including SuperCoat, FortCoat, PolBit and LockChip.
Micro Asphalt
Micro asphalt is a type of road surface treatment. This is applied on top of an existing surface with the aim of sealing and protecting it from rain, snow, frost, heat and general wear – all of which can cause damage such as potholes to surfaces. This surface treatment is formed of a combination of aggregates and bitumen emulsions. Micro asphalt can be a convenient alternative to hot asphalt, as it is applied cold and cures within as little as 30 minutes in some cases.
At BituChem, we supply micro asphalt to contractors for highway preservation across the country. Our micro asphalt products include MicroBit and MicroBit HT.
Road Waterproofing
Potholes form in a road surface when water enters cracks within a road surface. Freeze-thaw action widens these cracks, which weaken the surface and eventually cause it to break open, leaving a pothole. Potholes are responsible for many accidents, injuries and vehicle damage every year, with local councils spending a large portion of their budgets patching them.
Road waterproofing is a form of highway preservation which prevents potholes by preserving the structural integrity of the highway surface. At BituChem, our road waterproofing solution is offered in the form of FortSeal, a protective emulsion designed to improve the longevity of asphalt and reduce the need for disruptive major resurfacing works.
The Importance of Highway Preservation
Highway preservation is important for a number of reasons. In the UK, our transport systems (including all road types) are vital to economic development and growth. Furthermore, for the general population, they facilitate travel, bringing a number of social benefits too. Our roads not only help us get from A to B quickly and safely, but they also provide vital access to employment, health and education services, making for improved quality of life across the board.
Regular and organised highway preservation can ensure that the network, and economy, continues to remain mobile through reducing congestion problems and ensuring the safety of road users and pedestrians.
Highway Preservation From BituChem
At BituChem, we work with highway maintenance and construction industries across the UK, providing them with cutting edge products and materials for highway preservation. To learn more about any of our products and services, please contact us or take a look at our dedicated Knowledge Hub.
