MOTORISTS are enjoying a smoother and more sustainable drive along Redland Bay Rd in Capalaba following the completion of an innovative road project.
The works, which wrapped up in late June, used a technique called foam bitumen stabilisation – a process that recycles existing road materials and combines them with small amounts of water and bitumen to form a durable new road base.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the approach had significantly reduced the environmental footprint of the upgrade between Moreton Bay Rd and Old Cleveland Rd.
“I’m advised the technique also minimises environmental impacts by reducing carbon emissions during the construction process,” Mayor Mitchell said.
“The environmental benefit of the Redland Bay Rd 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.”
As well as lowering emissions, the method reduces the need for raw materials, cuts noise, dust and traffic impacts during construction, and helps speed up project delivery. Council said the improved durability of the surface also meant less risk of potholes developing over time.
Cr Mitchell said Council had also realised cost savings while still delivering a high-quality surface for 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 Rd 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 St in Cleveland, and Council is now planning to roll it out for future road renewal projects where appropriate.”
Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said the upgrades would benefit a wide range of users on one of the city’s key corridors.
“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 Rd 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 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.”
