Road construction could be revolutionised thanks to a new project being trialled in Wyndham.
Partnering with RMIT University, Austroads, the Department of Transport, and nine other
councils, Wyndham is participating in a project attempting to turn recycled plastic into roads.
Recycled plastic from consumer and industrial waste, including notoriously stubborn soft plastics, have been shown to enhance the performance of asphalt and a trial program in Wyndham will help determine if it can be used more widely.
A total of 170 tonnes of plastic modified asphalt with 600kg of recycled plastic will be trialled
in a section of road in Cambridge Crescent Wyndham Vale, between Jackman Court and
Lentara Crescent, with construction expected to be completed in March.
Wyndham councillor Robert Szatkowski expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating Wyndham is committed to leading the way in sustainable practices.
“Our aim for this project is to increase the use of recycled plastics in road construction
across our city and to provide reusable guidelines for local councils wishing to increase the
sustainability of their roads,” Cr Szatkowski said.
“This initiative aligns with our broader vision for a sustainable and resilient Wyndham and
positions us as pioneers in the adoption of recycled materials for critical infrastructure.”
RMIT University project lead, Professor Filippo Giustozzi, said extensive laboratory studies
conducted for Austroads – the collective of Australian and New Zealand transport agencies –
show these mixes are mechanically, chemically, and environmentally sound.
“The performance of roads can actually be improved with the additions of recycled material,
such as plastic and rubber, to be more durable against traffic and resistant against ageing,”
he said.
Cade Lucas.
