the essential
This June 14 in Roquefort, a portion of the D656 was covered with a plant coating. A more virtuous process for the environment which could be extended to other roads in Lot-et-Garonne.
This is a first in Lot-et-Garonne. A greener road has just been laid. In Roquefort, not far from Agen, a portion of the D656, under construction for two weeks, has been resurfaced with a special coating. It is a vegetable coating, which bears the name Veregoad. Although it visually resembles a classic coating, it has much more interesting environmental performance.
“Instead of having a standard bitumen binder, we have a binder based on biosourced products from the forestry sector,” explains Emmanuel Elhorry, departmental head of the Colas public works company, which is carrying out the project. Clearly, classic bitumen, derived from petroleum, has been replaced by pine or oat resin produced locally, in Layrac. Used to provide cohesion and durability over time, this biosourced substitute was coupled with the use of a semi-grained bituminous concrete based on recycled aggregate materials.
A carbon footprint reduced by 30%
“We use stones and bitumen from the old road which we mix again, which allows us to save material and make the circular economy work,” explains the departmental head of the Colas company.
Picture – Lucy Warnock
Techniques increasingly used on construction sites. “A few years ago, this wasn’t done at all. Now, it’s becoming the norm,” says Emmanuel Elhorry. And for good reason: the significant ecological advantage. “We reduce the carbon footprint by 30% compared to a traditional bitumen coating, while maintaining the same performance.” In fact, this type of asphalt is as strong as classic asphalt and suitable for all types of traffic. Another advantage: it is produced at a lowered temperature, around 120°C instead of 160°C, which saves energy and further reduces the carbon footprint.
A guinea pig road
“It’s a test board. For an equivalent cost and an equivalent guarantee, we are part of an improved environmental footprint, certifies Jérôme Fauché, head of the Agenais road unit at the Departmental Council. If it gives good results in terms of aging, there will be no contraindication for not using this process on other routes.” The work cost around 400,000 euros. In total, 600 tonnes of asphalt were spread over 650 meters.
“Today, the ecological footprint on construction work is preponderant,” continues the manager. “We are interested in technical alternatives that are environmentally friendly.” Closed to the public since May 30, the road will be passable again this Friday evening, now greener and adapted to the world of tomorrow.
