Tarmac has been trialling new formulations of noise-reducing concrete for National Highways in Cornwall.
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Grooves were created into the existing concrete pavement while grinding was applied onto raised ‘turrets’ on the surface to add texture and improved skid resistanceTests have shown that five different patterns of concrete running surfaces that were laid over a 1.5km section of the eastbound A30 near Penzance last year have all reduced traffic noise by up to seven decibels.
The concrete lobby has long promoted the maintenance benefits of hard-wearing concrete road surfaces but the noise made by contact with tyres means that both motorists and neighbours generally prefer asphalt running surfaces. Concrete roads need grooves for drainage purposes and skid-resistance, but it is the grooves that cause the thrum-thrum noise.
