North Somerset Council is currently trialling a cutting-edge pothole repair technology designed to set in just five minutes. The experiment is taking place on Walliscote Grove, near Weston-super-Mare Town Hall, where the local authority hopes this new method will offer a quicker and more durable solution for the county’s frequently damaged roads.
The technology, developed by Multi Contracting Services Ltd, utilises a product called “multi mastic,” which not only repairs existing potholes but also seals cracks and minor surface damage before they expand into more serious defects. This proactive approach is anticipated to significantly reduce road deterioration across the region.
During the trial, 196 square metres of road surface featuring a mixture of cracks and small potholes have been treated. The council chose this particular stretch to comprehensively test the product under real-world conditions.
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The multi mastic repair process begins by sweeping away loose debris from the road surface. If necessary, deeper potholes are first filled with asphalt. The Elastomac material is then heated to 200 degrees Celsius before being applied directly to the road. Once spread and levelled by hand tools, a layer of bauxite grit is added to ensure surface durability and safety.
Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, emphasised the importance of innovation in maintaining the highway network: “Residents rightly expect us to manage our roads efficiently while achieving value for money and reducing environmental impact. This trial represents our commitment to finding innovative techniques to maintain our infrastructure more effectively.”
With responsibility for managing 2,340 miles of roads, footways, and cycle lanes, North Somerset faces particular challenges in road maintenance due to its low-lying geography. The area is prone to water accumulation on rural roads, which accelerates road wear and pothole formation.
Mr Bell added, “If this trial proves successful, it will provide us with another valuable method to keep North Somerset moving and minimise disruption to local communities.”