Low Carbon Patching Trial 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.  

Colas Ltd, who were appointed by Cheshire West and Chester Council in April 2023, are responsible for maintaining 2,300km of public highways. With a long-term commitment to decarbonisation throughout their business, Colas are fully committed to supporting Cheshire West & Chester’s response to the climate emergency in developing solutions for highway maintenance that have a reduced carbon footprint. The trial will allow Colas to understand the long-term environmental benefits of introducing more sustainable methods of repairing potholes on the network.

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

This approach 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 trial will be split into two to allow Colas to compare Multevo’s standard permanent repair methodology, to 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. Since launching in 2010, the Multihog has proven itself to be the UK’s leading pothole, patch, and defect repair method in terms of safety, productivity, cost, and quality. 

Multevo will deploy the innovative and award winning Hydrovo for the second phase of the scheme, which will also be fitted with a front mounted planer with integrated dust suppression, ensuring there is no compromise on performance and quality. The 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. 

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

Josh Sweeney, Director of Marketing and Growth at Multevo comments:

“We already have a strong working relationship with Colas and Cheshire West and Chester Council, supporting with permanent reactive repairs and I am 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.”

The 11 sites set to be repaired are:  

• Avondale – Park Road to Underwood Drive, Whitby, Ellesmere Port – CH65 6RN
• Trentdale, Whitby, Ellesmere Port – CH65 6RP
• Bentley Farm Lane – A559 to Norman’s Lane, Higher Whitley – WA4 4PZ
• Manora Road – Vicarage Road to Carlton Road, Northwich
• Carlton Road – Manora Road to King George Avenue, Northwich
• Sycamore Road, Whitby
• The Crescent / Bellmouth, Hartford
• Patmos Lane, Nether Peover
• Cape Lane, Nether Peover
• New Road, Anderton with Marbury
• Marbury Road, Anderton with Marbury

In addition to the repair methods being trialled, Multevo are providing flexible support for reactive repairs and machine-lay services. 

Ian Gibson, Director of Local Roads at Colas Ltd comments:

“Colas has a strong commitment to carbon reduction and is delighted to be supporting our clients shared goal of decarbonising 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.”