New Zealand Trials First Rubber Road in Canterbury This January

The Selwyn District Council in New Zealand is set to trial the country’s first rubber road surface in Glentunnel, located on State Highway 77, 40 kilometers inland from Rolleston. This innovative project is scheduled to begin in January 2024, as part of the council’s ongoing efforts to explore new technologies for road improvement.

During a recent briefing on infrastructure and property, members of the council discussed the potential of this trial. When further details were requested, the council confirmed that it is “investigating the possibility of trialling this technology in Glentunnel.” They emphasized that the project is currently in its early stages and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Treadlite NZ is the sole supplier of recycled rubber granules intended for use in New Zealand’s pavements. Executive Director Brad Pierce expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m excited to see recycled rubber improving the performance of New Zealand roads across the country in the very near future.” The company is collaborating with a contractor, believed to be HEB, which is the council’s roading contractor, to facilitate the trial.

Innovative Road Solutions

The rubber road trial is just one of several innovations the Selwyn District Council is pursuing. During the briefing, Head of Operation Delivery Gareth Morgan highlighted the council’s commitment to exploring innovative strategies to enhance road performance and sustainability. He noted that the council is also investigating the use of plastic grids in road rehabilitation to reduce the need for deeper excavations. This method aims to bind and stabilize roads effectively without extensive digging.

Additionally, the council has introduced an underground stormwater management solution known as StormBrixx. This system is designed to alleviate surface flooding in areas prone to water accumulation. It functions by creating underground tanks made of interlocking plastic units that temporarily store rainwater before gradually releasing it into the ground or local stormwater networks.

Morgan also discussed a novel approach to road management, where contractors would lease road lanes instead of simply closing roads for maintenance. He explained, “They don’t just close the road; they lease the lane. And that’s not as a revenue gathering exercise; that is as an incentivisation exercise. Get in, do what you need to do, get out.”

Challenges and Progress

Despite the ongoing improvements, the Selwyn District Council faces challenges related to the condition of its roads. Morgan acknowledged that while New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) data indicates Selwyn’s roads are among the smoothest in the country, the surface quality has been declining due to aging infrastructure and increasing traffic loads. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards, noting, “Although our sealed roads are smoother than our peers, the road surface is trending downwards.”

The council manages the fifth-longest roading network in New Zealand, yet it ranks second when considering the land area it covers. Morgan pointed out that the average cost for maintenance per linear kilometer is $7,000, which is approximately 15% less than other networks in the country. He remarked, “There are people with more problems than Selwyn. That’s not saying we don’t have problems or challenges.”

As Selwyn continues to experience rapid growth and increased traffic, the council’s efforts to implement innovative solutions reflect a proactive approach to road management. With the rubber road trial on the horizon, the potential benefits of recycled materials in road construction may lead to significant advancements in New Zealand’s infrastructure.