Innovative New Road Sealing Trials Continue to Improve Local Infrastructure

As part of its commitment to exploring innovative new methodologies, Ararat Rural City Council is currently trialling new technology to target road efficiency and continuity within the community.

New road sealing trials were implemented at Andrews Lane in Ararat this week using Otta seal, a cost-effective road treatment that is capable of withstanding harsh Australian climate conditions. Originating from Norway, this sealing technology offers a sustainable sealed road solution specifically designed to cater to roads with traffic volumes under 200 vehicles per day, making it a suitable product for several unsealed rural roads.

Otta seal is a bituminous road sealant which requires far less maintenance than traditional sealing methods. Otta sealing takes just a few hours to resurface a road and offers a major reduction in dust, decreasing health problems caused by these fine particles, whilst also improving road user visibility.

Road works utilising Otta seal have already been carried out on Young, Thomas and Elizabeth Streets in central Ararat. Council will continue trialling this innovative product, with works soon to be implemented along Mt William Road and Tatyoon Extension Road. These upgrades are part of Council’s capital works program.

Dr Tim Harrison, CEO of Ararat Rural City Council, remarks: "Council will continue to explore innovative road treatments across various segments of the unsealed road network, embracing sustainable road infrastructure for the community.”

Council continues to prioritise road maintenance to bolster infrastructure sustainability.