The future of road construction is on the brink of transformation, thanks to a groundbreaking innovation from the United Kingdom. A revolutionary graphene-enhanced road surface has been successfully tested on a public road in Teesside, North East England.
This “world-first” graphene-infused road is the result of a collaboration between Universal Matter GBR Ltd, a Redcar-based graphene specialist, and leading UK construction firm Tarmac, alongside Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
Universal Matter’s innovative Genable™ Pavement additive seamlessly incorporates graphene into the asphalt mixture, significantly improving road durability and resistance to wear and tear. By reinforcing the material, the graphene-enhanced asphalt is less prone to cracking and pothole formation, ensuring longer-lasting road surfaces.
Moreover, this advancement supports sustainability by reducing the frequency of road repairs and replacements, which in turn lowers carbon emissions associated with maintenance work. Additionally, the enhanced asphalt creates a smoother and more uniform surface for drivers, improving overall road safety and comfort.
The practical implementation of this technology required large-scale production. More than 150 tonnes (165.35 tons) of conventional asphalt was blended with the Genable™ Pavement graphene additive at Tarmac’s Coxhoe asphalt plant in Durham. The modified asphalt was then transported to Flatts Lane Country Park on the outskirts of Middlesbrough, where it was used to construct a new entrance road. This marks the first time graphene-enhanced asphalt has been applied to a public road.
Prior to this, graphene-infused asphalt had undergone extensive testing in controlled environments such as car parks and test tracks in the United States and Canada. These trials confirmed the material’s practical application in real-world infrastructure projects.
Brian Kent, Technical Director A&A for Tarmac, expressed optimism about the project, stating:
“As part of our drive to explore and develop new solutions for our customers, particularly focusing on durability and sustainability, we were happy to participate in this project which provides the opportunity to assess performance and potential further use.”
Potholes are a costly and persistent issue in the UK, with road damage repairs consuming vast resources. In 2024 alone, UK motorists faced £579 million in vehicle repair costs due to pothole-related damages. Additionally, the country spends approximately £143.5 million annually on pothole repairs.
Potholes typically form when small cracks in the road surface expand due to continuous traffic pressure, eventually breaking apart and creating hazardous road conditions. To counter this, researchers worldwide have been working on innovative solutions.
Interestingly, a separate study highlights another futuristic approach: self-healing asphalt. Scientists from Swansea University and King’s College London, in collaboration with Chilean researchers, have developed an asphalt mixture containing plant spores that actively repairs road damage, further contributing against potholes.
