North Lanarkshire Council is leading the way in reducing the carbon footprint of road infrastructure, partnering with Transport for West Midlands, Amey, and Colas on a groundbreaking initiative.

As part of the ADEPT Live Labs 2 programme, the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads (CEDR) is exploring and testing innovative materials to lower the carbon emissions associated with road construction and maintenance.

This year, trials have been conducted on a range of low-carbon products, including:

• A surface rejuvenator to extend road life

• Pothole repair materials

• Low-carbon road marking materials

• Biogenic asphalt solutions

Additionally, CEDR has assessed the environmental impact of a push-off trailer used for transporting hot materials.

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The council plans to continue its pioneering work in 2025 by testing further innovative materials, such as anti-icing additives and reed-based signage. By adopting these sustainable solutions, North Lanarkshire aims to create a more environmentally friendly and resilient road network.

Welcoming the project, Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, and Live Labs 2 Champion, said: "Construction and maintenance of roads contribute significantly to the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.

"Through the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads, we are harnessing the rapid advancements in materials and manufacturing of low-carbon materials to find solutions that will transform the roads industry for the future.

"A key aspect of the centre’s work is sharing knowledge among local authorities, academics and industry organisations across the UK local roads sector. The results from our trials aim to address barriers to decarbonisation and drive innovation to transform the roads industry for the future."

The Live Labs 2 programme will run until March 2026, with a five-year subsequent, extended monitoring and evaluation period. For further information: www.decarbonisingroads.co.uk