A new low carbon asphalt that has the ability to absorb CO2 has been used in a trial on the A30 in Devon.

The asphalt was developed by material supplier Hanson UK and the work is being carried out as part of UK National Highways Pavement Delivery Framework which is focussed on low carbon emission work.

The asphalt contain polymer modified bitumen bio-binders which lock in the CO2 to the asphalt once it is absorbed. The CO2 remains locked in the asphalt even after it is recycled.

CarbonLock has been laid over a 500m stretch and is expected to extend the durability and reduce maintenance requirements. The CarbonLock will be monitored compared to the regular asphalt used along the rest of the project.

National Highways senior pavement advisor Umesh Parajuli said: “These trials are part of our feasibility study and whole-life benefits analysis of emerging low carbon technologies, which will help us meet our 2040 net zero carbon deadline for construction and maintenance activities.