Project Amber - Creating 21st century roads
Project Amber forms part of our plan to create 21st century roads and make Blackpool better.
Blackpool was the first local authority in the UK to use advanced imagery and analysis technology to repair roads. We’re now working with numerous suppliers who provide the latest technology to help us fix roads in a faster and cheaper way, that also gives longer-lasting results.
We've been trialling better ways to look after some of Blackpool’s roads, particularly in residential areas.
New technology, such as advanced imagery and analysis capturing, uses ultra-high definition imagery to send road surface information back to our teams. We also trialled new technology to fill potholes, filling in cracks within just a few minutes, which is great news as it means fewer road closures and a better commute for road users.
Surface treatment – how it works
The treatment used as part of Project Amber delivers long-lasting repairs, preserving and extending the life of our road surfaces for five to eight years. Project Amber allows us to repair roads in a faster, greener way, resulting in lower repair costs.
Although some roads may appear to look fine, fine cracks and worn areas can start to appear. If the cracks are left untreated, they will deteriorate further, allowing water to get beneath the surface.
We use a process known as ‘asphalt preservation’. This varnish-like treatment seals and preserves the existing surface. It’s fast, efficient, sustainable and very effective in preventing water from damaging the road and protecting the surface from heavy traffic. It also means less disruption for local property owners, since the process is quieter than traditional resurfacing methods.
Carbon neutral certified
We're working with carbon neutral conttractors, using the latest technology to repair the roads in a greener way.
Our recent road resurfacing works in the Anchorsholme and Squires Gate areas have now been certified as carbon neutral. We saved 31.4 tonnes of carbon compared to traditional road repair methods, that’s the equivalent of driving 94,200 miles!
As part of a UK tree planting initiative, we’ll soon be planting 52 trees in the town to offset carbon emissions from these works.
Current works
We'll be coming to more areas across Blackpool soon to improve roads for residents and make Blackpool better. Check back soon for details of our next planned works.
Past and future work
Our most recent works took place in June 2023 on Red Bank Road.
We have also worked in the below areas over the past couple of years:
- Denville Avenue, Idlewood Place, Glenarden Avenue, Springbrook Avenue and a section of Seabrook Drive (Anchorsholme)
- Crichton Place, Bentinck Avenue, Walpole Avenue and Abercorn Place (Squires Gate)
- Moore Park Avenue (Bispham)
- Faraday Way (Bispham)
- St Annes Road (South Shore)
- School Road (Stanley Ward)
Are you interested in finding out about the regeneration of Blackpool? Read more about it and subscribe to exciting news updates on our Making Blackpool Better page.