Highland Council awards firm Thermal Road Repairs seven-figure deal to tackle potholes and other surface issues
Highland Council has awarded a new seven-figure contract aimed at tackling potholes and other road repairs.
After a successful three-week trial of thermal technology last year, the authority chose Thermal Road Repairs for two-year patching repair work on surface defects such as potholes, cracking and deteriorating surfacing joints.
The thermal repair process involves using an infrared heating system to heat existing road material which then can be easily reworked with additional material to create a defect-free surface.
READ MORE HIGHLAND COUNCIL NEWS HERE
Use of heat is said to ensure the repair is free of cold joints, with no weak points at the edges resulting in a more effective repair that can also be carried out in colder conditions.
Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of the economy and infrastructure committee, said: “I’m delighted that we will be making use of thermal technology moving forward.
“It offers an efficient way to repair our roads using less material and will allow us to carry out permanent pothole fixes in all seasons.
“Thermal Road Repairs have a wealth of experience and their technology provides a fast, permanent fix to potholes but with the added benefits of low emissions and minimal waste due to less plant and materials being required.
“Infrared patching is a low noise and low impact technique with only one vehicle which creates minimal disruption for road users, and it is also a very quick process with approximately one square metre repaired every five to nine minutes.
“Investing in our roads is a high priority, not only for the Council but also for our communities and I am pleased that this contract will support our local roads teams to improve the condition of our roads faster and more effectively.”
The contract is part of a £2.1 billion capital investment agreed in the council’s Highland Investment Plan which will help to maintain over 4000 miles of roads and “ensure a sustainable approach to investment and contractor procurement”.
Cllr Gowans added: “The Highland Investment Plan will provide 20 years of funding for roads and transport, schools, offices and community facilities throughout the Highlands.”
Works are due to begin this summer.
