Live Labs 2 in partnership with Amey and North Lanarkshire Council, have announced the successful completion of upgrades to a two-kilometre B-road in North Lanarkshire, transforming it into a live ‘supersite’ to trial innovative sustainable surfacing and recycling techniques.
This initiative is a key component of the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads (CEDR), part of ADEPT Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads, a three-year, UK-wide, £30 million programme funded by the Department for Transport that aims to decarbonise local roads and highways infrastructure.
North Lanarkshire Council, supported by Amey, leads the North Campus of the Centre of Excellence, while Transport for West Midlands, supported by Colas, leads the South Campus.
Throughout the summer, the team evaluated a range of surfacing materials and recycling methods side-by-side under live traffic conditions. This approach enabled better data collection and helped build a scalable model for future road decarbonisation. The results have been submitted to a new knowledge bank, set to launch this autumn for local authorities and industry partners, with accelerated life testing of the materials underway with the University of Nottingham and Aston University.
Among the techniques trialled were:
- Surface course materials designed to lower embodied carbon, using bitumen alternatives and longer-lasting compounds to reduce emissions from frequent maintenance.
- In-situ recycling methods, such as a regen solution that fully recycles the binder course—an essential pavement layer—and a calcined clay process designed to cut waste and lower carbon emissions.
Elaine Nicol, Road Maintenance Manager at North Lanarkshire Council, highlighted: “Live Labs 2 is about pushing ourselves to achieve net zero — The Centre of Excellence brings together local authorities, industry, and academia to tackle the decarbonisation of our roads. At North Lanarkshire Council, we’re proud to lead the North Campus, trialling innovative materials and methods that could shape the future of local roads. Through the Centre of Excellence model, we’re creating a collaborative space to share knowledge, break down silos, and scale what works across the UK.”
Paul Brown, Operational Lead and Principal Operations Manager at Amey said: “From in-situ recycling to low-carbon binders, we trialled a range of surfacing solutions at the supersite. Each method is rigorously tested for performance, durability, and carbon impact, in partnership with the Our goal is to build a robust evidence base that supports operational decision-making and helps local authorities adopt these innovations with confidence.”
To celebrate the completion of the supersite trials and share key findings, CEDR have released a behind-the-scenes video featuring project highlights, key insights, and team interviews. This resource offers a closer look at the journey toward net zero highways and the future of sustainable road maintenance.
Further details about ADEPT Live Labs 2 and the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads are available via the official programme website.