Colas and Multevo in low-carbon patching trial collaboration

More sustainable approach to pothole repairs commences in Cheshire West and Chester

COLAS have collaborated with Multevo to trial a more sustainable approach to pothole, patch, and defect repairs through low-carbon, hydrogen-powered innovations on Cheshire West and Chester Council’s highways. The trial will allow Colas to understand the long-term environmental benefits of introducing more sustainable methods of repairing potholes on the network.

Multevo, who offer a portfolio of innovative repair methods designed to increase efficiency and productivity, say a turnkey approach to service delivery has empowered them to take full responsibility for all stages of the trial, including surveying, planning, and programming, as well as full self-delivery and performance monitoring.

This approach, say Multevo, has been successfully implemented in Shropshire, where a 75% reduction in outstanding potholes was achieved by permanently fixing first time, reducing disruption through more efficient planning and saving costs and carbon by eradicating repeat visits.

The seven-week Cheshire West and Chester trial will be split into two to allow Colas to compare Multevo’s standard permanent repair methodology with the low-carbon, hydrogen-powered solution.

The first half of the trial has seen Multevo self-deliver permanent repairs using the Multihog. Fitted with a front-mounted 400mm wide planer with integrated dust suppression, the Multihog cuts out the defected area to create a sound base for reinstatement.

For the second phase of the scheme Multevo will deploy the innovative and award-winning Hydrovo, which will also be fitted with a front-mounted planer with integrated dust suppression. This multi-purpose highway maintenance machine features a dual-fuel hydrogen and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) system, which results in a 95% reduction in associated carbon emissions.

Multevo say the Hydrovo is proven to deliver productive and high-quality outputs whilst delivering carbon savings and has already been trialled by Glasgow City Council and Hampshire Highways.

Josh Sweeney, director of marketing and growth at Multevo, said: ‘We already have a strong working relationship with Colas and Cheshire West and Chester Council, supporting them with permanent reactive repairs, and I’m delighted we are now able to demonstrate the next level of service provision available in our low-carbon turnkey patching offering and look forward to sharing the results.’

Ian Gibson, director of local roads at Colas, commented: ‘Colas have a strong commitment to carbon reduction and are delighted to be supporting our clients shared goal of decarbonizing activities in response to the climate emergency through this collaboration with Multevo. The trial will develop a shared understanding of what can be achieved to help us maintain the Cheshire West and Chester highways network in an innovative and sustainable way.’