A new report by consultancy Infometrics highlights the economic and environmental benefits of concrete roads, suggesting they are a durable and cost-effective solution for New Zealand’s growing transportation needs writes Tim Marshalls for ConcreteNZ. Launched by Transport Minister Simeon Brown, The Case for Concrete Roads reveals that while concrete roads may have higher upfront costs, they are 17% cheaper over their lifetime, with maintenance costs up to 62% lower than traditional asphalt roads. Additionally, the report underscores the potential for reduced carbon emissions, as concrete naturally reabsorbs atmospheric CO2 over time.
Gareth Kiernan, Infometrics’ Chief Forecaster, emphasized the importance of building industry capacity to expand the adoption of concrete roads, noting their resilience against heavier electric vehicles and extreme heat. Concrete New Zealand Chief Executive Rob Gaimster pointed to specific high-traffic areas, such as Auckland’s Port Motorway and the Waikato Expressway, as ideal candidates for concrete road construction. Innovations like low-carbon concrete and the recycling of materials further enhance the sustainability credentials of concrete as a key component of New Zealand’s road infrastructure.
Key stakeholders, including the National Road Carriers Association and Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate, echoed the report’s findings, advocating for concrete in targeted applications. Mayor Southgate highlighted Hamilton’s successful trial of Roller Compacted Concrete on a busy industrial road, showcasing the material’s adaptability to unique challenges. As the nation’s infrastructure faces increasing demands, this report provides a compelling case for integrating concrete roads into future projects, balancing cost, durability, and sustainability to meet New Zealand’s evolving transportation needs.
Read more here: https://concretenz.org.nz/news/687310/