Time saving footpath and cycle path construction

The client, Powys County Council, planned to construct a new section of footway and upgrade a section of the National Cycle Route 43, linking the village of Abercraf to Caehopkin. Once complete this would provide an important sustainable transport route connecting Swansea with Builth Wells. The remote location of the site and difficult terrain restricted access for large vehicles. This meant that paving materials would need to be moved over half a mile using a mini dumper. Concerns were also raised about the risk of damaging the binder course while the surface course was under construction.

Following early discussions with the client and contractor, Tarmac recommended ULTIFASTPATH, their single pass footpath surfacing solution. This was chosen in preference to the 60mm AC 20 dense binder course and 40mm AC 10 surface course originally specified. Using single layer construction helped to reduce material volumes and simplify site logistics. It meant that the work could be completed in a shorter timescale with fewer vehicle movements, while avoiding damage to the pavement during construction as the binder course was omitted. The modified binder in ULTIFASTPATH helped the contractor to achieve good compaction and a dense, durable finish.

As planned, 340 tonnes of material was delivered to site and laid in a single 60-70mm layer. Using this approach halved the construction time compared to using a conventional binder and surface course, allowing earlier opening of the route and reducing delays for users. It also saved around 150 tonnes of material and minimised transport requirements. Despite never having used ULTIFASTPATH before, the client and contractor were impressed by the way it performed on site.

“Overall we are very happy with the product and will most certainly look to use ULTIFASTPATH in future schemes moving forward.” Aled Morris, Civil Engineer, Powys CC.