Ultra-strong magic material may mean end of potholes

By James Connolly

An ultra-strong substance is being used to surface roads in a revolutionary trial - and it could spell the end of potholes.

There have been "dramatic improvements" to the quality of roads treated with graphene, according to one senior councillor.

It is the strongest material known to man and was first tested in Essex in 2022.

Three years later, the results have delighted council bosses, with hopes that it could mean less maintenance for roads.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Transport, said: "We are very encouraged with the results of the trial.

"These dramatic improvements are what we need in the long term, as it means our roads will potentially need less repairing and maintenance."

The trial involved adding a graphene-enhanced surface material, Gipave, to hot rolled asphalt - the first time the material has been used in this way in the UK.

Graphene material is 200 times stronger than steel yet extremely flexible.

It makes the asphalt far less susceptible to both hardening and cracking in cold temperatures, or softening in warm temperatures.

The early results of the trial showed that it is far more durable than traditional materials - and could reduce the risk of potholes forming by up to 20 percent.

Essex County Council will now decide whether to adopt it as part of road repairs on a permanent basis.

Councillor Cunningham added: "Essex has 5,000 miles of roads and some of the highest levels of traffic in the country, so it is paramount we find new and efficient ways of maintaining them.

"Innovative approaches to road maintenance help us to create a county that is accessible to all, while also giving residents the best value for their money."