New Graphene-Enhanced Road Surface Could End UK's Pothole Crisis
A groundbreaking graphene-enhanced road surface has been successfully tested in Teesside, North East England, potentially offering a solution to the UK's persistent pothole problem.
The innovative material, developed through a collaboration between Universal Matter GBR Ltd, Tarmac, and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, promises to reduce potholes, extend road lifespan, and create smoother driving surfaces.
Potholed parking lot at Sutton Park
The technology utilizes graphene, a super-strong material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Universal Matter's Genable Pavement additive incorporates graphene into standard asphalt, significantly improving durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Key benefits of the graphene-enhanced road surface:
- Enhanced durability and longevity
- Reduced pothole formation
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Smaller carbon footprint
- Smoother driving surface
The initial implementation involved mixing 150 tonnes of standard asphalt with the graphene additive at Tarmac's Coxhoe plant in Durham. The material was then used to construct an entrance road at Flatts Lane Country Park near Middlesborough, marking its first public road application following successful tests in controlled environments across the US and Canada.
This innovation comes at a crucial time, as pothole-related vehicle damage cost UK motorists £579m in 2024 alone, with national repair costs reaching £143.5m annually. The technology shows promise in addressing this widespread infrastructure challenge, offering a more durable and sustainable solution for road construction.