At Kilsaran, we take pride in delivering high-quality, sustainable road surfacing solutions. One of our most recent and impactful projects was the refurbishment of a 12km stretch of the M7 Kildare Bypass, completed in collaboration with Jons Civil Engineering Limited. This major pavement scheme not only enhanced a critical section of Ireland’s motorway infrastructure but also demonstrated our commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in asphalt technology.
Project Overview
The M7 Kildare Bypass is a vital artery in Ireland’s national road network, and its refurbishment required precision, durability, and sustainability. Kilsaran was entrusted with resurfacing 12km of carriageway, a task we approached with both technical expertise and environmental consciousness.
- Total Material Used: 15,000 tonnes of Hot Rolled Asphalt (HRA)
- Recycled Content: Incorporated Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) at varying levels
Innovative Use of Recycled Materials
Sustainability was a cornerstone of this project. We integrated RAP into the HRA mix to reduce the environmental footprint without compromising performance:
- 15% RAP was used across the majority of the project using a fine-grade HRA.
- A 5,000m section incorporated 35% RAP using a coarse-grade HRA.
- Another 5,000m section used standard HRA with no RAP as a control for performance comparison.
This strategic variation allowed us to assess the performance and environmental benefits of different RAP levels in real-world conditions.
Carbon Reduction Achievements
The environmental impact of incorporating RAP was significant:
- 15% RAP in HRA resulted in a 6.4% reduction in carbon emissions (4.9 kg CO₂/tonne) compared to standard HRA.
- 35% RAP achieved a 12% reduction in carbon emissions (9.1 kg CO₂/tonne).
- Overall, the project delivered a 21% reduction in carbon emissions, a testament to the effectiveness of sustainable materials in modern road construction.
A Model for Future Infrastructure Projects
This project not only improved a key transport route but also set a benchmark for sustainable road surfacing in Ireland. By combining technical excellence with environmental stewardship, Kilsaran continues to lead the way in delivering infrastructure solutions that are built to last—and built responsibly.
We’re proud of our team’s contribution to the M7 Kildare Bypass and look forward to applying these sustainable practices to future projects across the country.
