Redland City Council has used an innovative and sustainable road resurfacing technique to deliver a smoother ride for motorists along Redland Bay Road in Capalaba.
The engineering technique, known as foam bitumen stabilisation, uses existing road materials and mixes these with small amounts of water and bitumen to create a strong, durable road base.
Both the north- and south-bound lanes of Redland Bay Road between Moreton Bay Road and Old Cleveland Road have been upgraded, with works on the project wrapping up in late June.
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Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said foam bitumen stabilisation reduced reliance on raw materials and helped to cut down construction times, resulting in fewer traffic disruptions for road users.
“I’m advised the technique also minimises environmental impacts by reducing carbon emissions during the construction process,” the Mayor said.
“The environmental benefit of the Redland Bay Road project, in terms of emission reductions, was equivalent to removing about 1400 heavy vehicle trips from the road network.
“This is a beneficial outcome when you consider the potential for the technique to be used more broadly in other parts of the city as part of Council’s road upgrade program.”
The Mayor said she had been advised completing the project using foam bitumen stabilisation had also delivered cost savings for Council and the community.
“Rather than relying solely on raw materials, foam bitumen stabilisation uses existing road product and combines this with water and bitumen in special machinery to create a new road base,” she said.
“I understand using this technique on the Redland Bay Road project helped to keep the costs of construction down, while still enabling Council to deliver a high-quality, reliable surface for the community.
“Foam bitumen was also used earlier this year to upgrade Delancey Street in Cleveland and Council is now planning to roll it out for future road renewal projects where appropriate.”
Other benefits of foam bitumen stabilisation include a reduction in noise, dust and traffic impacts during the construction process.
The surface also offers improved durability and resistance to water damage, reducing the risk of potholes from forming on the road under repeated vehicle movements.
The technique is reliant on the type of road renewal work required in an area and, as such, foam road stabilisation cannot be used for all resurfacing projects.
Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said the improvements on Redland Bay Road would benefit a range of road users.
“Anyone who knows this road and drives it regularly would understand its importance to the wider Redland City network,” Cr Huges said.
“As well as accommodating cars accessing the shopping centre precinct, Redland Bay Road is used by heavy vehicles, public transport and cyclists moving in and out of the city.
“Delivering these works will ensure all road users can enjoy a smooth, safe trip in the area for many years to come.
“This is a great example of how innovative thinking can improve the safety and reliability of our road network, while at the same time helping to reduce impacts on the environment.
“Council thanks the community for their patience while these important works were undertaken.”
