Saudi Arabia launches environmentally friendly road maintenance technology without road closures
In a significant step reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to developing its infrastructure according to the latest international standards, the General Authority for Roads today, Sunday, the commencement of the implementation of the innovative "road surface improvement" technology. This step comes as a strategic measure aimed at raising the level of traffic safety and extending the lifespan of the national road network, without resorting to complete reconstruction operations that consume time, effort, and money.
Microsurfing technology: A revolution in the world of maintenance
The new technology, known globally as "micro-surfacing," is considered one of the latest preventative maintenance methods. This engineering technique relies on the "cold" treatment of damaged road surfaces, completely eliminating the need for traditional milling and resurfacing operations (milling and paving) that often disrupt traffic flow.
The mechanism relies on the use of a precise and carefully calculated chemical mixture consisting of:
- Advanced asphalt emulsion.
- High-quality fine aggregate.
- Water and special chemical additives.
These components are mixed and mechanically brushed to create a cohesive layer that addresses the inherent defects of the asphalt and prevents them from worsening.
The context of the transition towards sustainability and Vision 2030
This is not merely a routine maintenance procedure, but rather part of a broader context related to the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The Kingdom seeks to solidify its position as a global logistics hub, which necessitates a world-class road network.
This step directly supports the strategic objectives of the roads sector, which aim to bring the Kingdom to sixth place globally in the road quality index by 2030, while maintaining its regional leadership in this field.
Environmental and economic dimensions
The authority emphasized that the environmental dimension is a fundamental pillar of this technological shift. Unlike traditional methods that require heating asphalt to very high temperatures, this technology relies on cold mixing, resulting in:
- A significant reduction in energy and fuel consumption.
- Reducing harmful carbon emissions, in line with the "Saudi Green" initiatives.
- Reducing environmental pollution caused by hot asphalt fumes.
Economically, the technology contributes to significantly reducing future maintenance costs, as it acts as a protective layer that prevents water from seeping into the lower pavement layers, thus protecting national assets and extending their lifespan.
Speed of completion and enhanced safety
One of the most significant advantages of this technology is its exceptional speed of execution and drying. Teams begin by cleaning the surface and repairing cracks, then equipment is used to apply a thin layer (5-10 mm). This layer is characterized by its rapid drying time, allowing the road to be reopened to traffic within just a few hours, thus avoiding the traffic congestion caused by traditional maintenance work that can last for days or weeks.
In terms of safety, this smart layer increases surface roughness, enhancing the road's slip resistance and immediately reducing accidents. This contributes to the Authority's ambitious goal of reducing the road fatality rate to less than 5 deaths per 100,000 people.
