Local transport networks and town centres are transformed

The Challenge

This major road upgrade and public realm scheme aimed to transform part of Stretford town by improving local infrastructure making the Kingsway and Barton Road junction safer and greener for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. The £17.6m Trafford Council public realm scheme is funded by the UK Government’s Future High Street Fund. As part of the main carriageway would be resurfaced and reduced to two single lanes with footpaths widened and two new crossing points installed, allowing access to local shops, along with new seating, planting, play areas, trees, lighting, and sustainable drainage. The client was keen to choose surfacing materials that would visually enhance the town centre and also provide the lane demarcation needed to help road users identify cycle lanes and crossings to enhance road safety.

Our Solution

A conventional hot rolled asphalt (HRA) surface course was originally chosen for the main carriageway however this would have meant shutting the entire road whilst resurfacing took place. After discussions with the client, Tarmac proposed using ULTILAYER, a durable asphalt incorporating a polymer modified binder as a single layer solution to speed up the work and maintain traffic flows. ULTICOLOUR coloured asphalts were chosen for the cycle lanes, pedestrian areas and crossings in bright colours that would contrast with the black asphalt road surface. ULTICOLOUR asphalts use a high performance clear bitumen binder, pigments and colour matched aggregates for bright, long-lasting colours. They are BBA HAPAS accredited for use on roads as a Clause 942 thin surface course and have delivered lasting durability on busy bus lanes. The client wanted a ‘beach look’ for the pedestrian area so Buff Quartzite colour was chosen, with a Classic Green colour selected for the cycleways on either side of the main carriageway. 

Results and Benefits

The client was delighted with the visual impact and there was positive coverage from the local media when the work was completed. The new ULTICOLOUR surfaces have helped to transform Stretford town centre for local residents and shoppers. They have also helped to improve road safety and offer people a safe, healthy, low carbon transport alternative for local journeys. As well as helping to minimise disruption during the scheme, the choice of ULTILAYER and ULTICOLOUR asphalts will help to deliver lasting durability to retain a high-quality finish and minimise future maintenance requirements, delivering value for the money invested in the work.