Understanding

the Typical Road Construction Process

Road construction methods have changed since around 4000 BC, when builders used stone or timber. Today, roads consist of a solid layer of asphalt or concrete, creating a compact and smoother surface.

Roads play an essential role in the economy and productivity. When planning new ones, local authorities consider several factors. These include lowering travel time, reducing traffic, improving commutes, reducing accidents, and improving the quality of life in built-up areas by reducing noise and air pollution.

Typical road construction requires four phases: planning, setting out, earthworks, and road surfacing.

Planning Phase of the Road Construction Process

Before roadworks contractors can begin work, several phases of development are involved, the most important of which are planning and design. During this stage, engineers work on providing safe and well-functioning roads that contribute to the strategic road network required to facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods.

The planning process requires consultations with stakeholders and the public, feasibility studies, meeting planning procedures, and creating cost estimates. Once the planning process is completed, surfacing contractors enter a tendering process. The construction process can begin with the award of the tender.

Architect using digital tablet with blueprints and surveying a new residential housing building land plot

Setting Out Phase

In the laying-out phase, a land surveyor transfers the road’s building design onto the land. This process makes it easier for the road surfacing contractors to follow the design accurately.

Using the profile board method, the land surveyor places boards indicating the required construction level along the proposed road lines. These boards are precisely a meter above the desired level for the completed roads, ensuring all works, including excavation, remain within the design limits.

Earthworks During the Road Construction Process

Roadworks contractors know that the earthworks phase is critical to the typical road construction process because it lays the foundation for a problem-free road. It entails several stages:

Removal of vegetation and topsoil
Creating embankments with cuts and fills
Filling dips and levelling bumps in the screened dirt with a grader or bulldozer for a better foundation
Spraying the screened dirt with water and compacting it completely
At this point of the road surfacing, the surfacing contractors build in crucial drainage elements that help increase the tarmac life expectancy – installation of sewers and drains and ensuring a higher centre in the road to accommodate water runoff

Paving Phase

Now that the surfacing contractors have created a solid foundation, the final part of the road construction process is completing the surfacing phase.

The typical road construction process in the UK usually entails using asphalt or concrete, or a combination of the two, based on expected traffic and costs. During this stage, several courses are laid to create a road based on the specifications required.

Asphalt Paving

Asphalt contains bitumen, a petroleum-based substance that holds together the sand and crushed stones. The asphalt arrives at the road surfacing site and has already been heated to around 150°C, ready to spread and compact onto the compacted foundation.

Concrete Paving

The mixture contains sand and crushed rock, like asphalt paving, but cement holds them together. Road contractors pour the liquid concrete into forms (steel moulds). Before it dries, a finishing machine uses vibrating movements to ensure it settles evenly. Joints between each concrete slab help prevent cracks on the road surface by allowing for expansion and contraction during temperature changes.

Final Take

When looking for specialists in road surfacing in the West Midlands, contact JJ Gilleran for a quote. The surfacing and groundwork contractor has served the broader region since 1953. With 30 years of experience as the Coventry Council road building and maintenance contractor, JJ Gilleran has the expertise required for all your driveway and tarmac needs.

Whatever the enquiry we can provide assistance with:

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Asphalt Laying

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Resurfacing

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MUGA

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Hard Standings

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Paths

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Private Roads

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Car Parks

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Playgrounds

The first impression of a business is vital, and we fully understand the visual impact this will have on your company. We bear this in mind when creating a new car park, relaying a worn one, lining parking bays or providing a service that is one of the first things your client observes about your business.

With our own fleet of vehicles, equipment and manpower, we can provide a thoroughly effective and efficient service for your needs.