The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MoID) has launched a road network project using recycled rubber asphalt to build public roads. The project is part of its efforts to achieve sustainability, promote innovation, encourage recycling and create a national green road network.

The two-month pilot project, which is a first of its kind in the UAE is being realised in cooperation with the French tyre maker Michelin. According to a report by WAM, a specialist team will test a mixture of  asphalt and recycled rubber, with the aim of developing an asphalt mix, according to the best national standards that can be used for future road construction projects.

Eng. Aisha Al Midfa, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Infrastructure Planning Sector at the MoID, said the project reflects the ministry’s keenness to achieve sustainability and focuses on the close work between the public and private sectors. She also noted that this is line with the ministry’s objective to keep pace with the country’s strategic directives.

“The ministry’s cooperation with the private sector, especially with Michelin, in constructing environmentally-friendly and sustainable roads will reduce noise pollution and the need for maintenance, as well as waste production and carbon emissions, through using recycled materials instead of traditional bitumen-based asphalt,” she added.

Regional Director of Michelin in the Middle East, Naser Shashaa, stressed on the company’s commitment of achieving sustainability and preserving the environment, through implementing its 4R strategy; reduce, reuse, recycle and renewability.

Rubber asphalt is pavement material that consists of regular asphalt concrete mixed with crumb rubber and used tyres, said the Ministry. It added that the project is part of its efforts to build a green road network in the UAE and develop a sustainable environment and infrastructure.