Dutch construction company VolkerWessels has come up with a revolutionary new concept in road building that could bring an end to potholes and delays due to road maintenance and repairs. PlasticRoad is made from 100% recycled material, is virtually maintenance free, is relatively cheap to construct and is expected to last three times longer than a conventional tarmac road.

PlasticRoad has many other advantages over conventional roads. Plastic is much more sustainable and opens the door for a number of new innovations such as quieter road surfaces, heated roads and modular construction. Additionally, the PlasticRoad design features a 'hollow' space that can be used for cables, pipes and rainwater.

The PlasticRoad is still an idea on paper at the moment; the next stage is to build and test it in a laboratory to make sure it’s safe in wet and slippery conditions. VolkerWessels is currently looking for partners to collaborate on a pilot – as well as manufacturers in the plastics industry.

Photo:  The road to the future.