More efficient alternative to 'red' asphalt

With a much higher attention value

A crosswalk, bicycle traffic circle, bicycle suggestion lane or 30 km/h zone is often done in a different color (usually red) asphalt. This way motorized traffic is alerted to the possible presence of the vulnerable road user. Applying two colors of asphalt, however, is quite a chore for the road contractor on duty, as asphalt machines have to be changed in between to run the different mixture composition. Two types of asphalt overlays against each other also leads to fraying and cracking. Fortunately, there is a more efficient alternative that also has a much higher attention value and longer lifespan. Meet Thermoflex.

Achieving, for example, a bicycle crosswalk or bicycle lane in a new road surface the traditional way is quite cumbersome, begins Patrick Roijers of POSSEHL Spezialbau. "After all, a road builder turns the black overlay first, then has to switch all his equipment to red asphalt, and will then have to switch back to black asphalt. That's not exactly efficient, to say the least. On top of that, cracking occurs in practice precisely at those positions where the two types of overlays are turned against each other. So qualitatively it is much better to run one homogeneous black overlay and then use a Thermoflex coating to create the bicycle crossing."

Traffic red

Another advantage of Thermoflex is that it preserves the top layer. "No maintenance is required, no cracking occurs, and the top layer is permanently slip-resistant and colorfast," Patrick emphasizes. The concept has been around for almost 40 years and has gained popularity, especially in recent years. Developments in the asphalt industry are playing into Thermoflex's hands. "Red asphalt used to be made with clear bitumen, but these are not good for the environment and are being phased out. The alternative is to add a filler to the black asphalt. With that, the overlay no longer turns traffic red, but takes on a more brownish hue. This does not exactly contribute to increasing the attention value, especially in the dark or in rain. Thermoflex, on the other hand, is traffic red and we cover it with a natural stone. For an extra signal function, we can even mix it with recycled glass aggregate. As soon as a vehicle's lights shine on it, it glistens."

Teetering traffic

By 2023, Possehl will have created more than 170,000 square meters of bicycle suggestive strips with Thermoflex. "We have recently become a 'Friend of the Cyclists' Union,' as they too underline the permanently high attention value under all weather conditions. In addition to the color red, we also regularly apply Thermoflex in other colors in residential areas, bicycle streets or 30 km/h zones, for example, so that road users are alerted to the fact that they are in a deviating zone," says Patrick. "In addition, it also lends itself perfectly to application on traffic circles. If you have winding traffic anywhere, it's on a traffic circle. In practice, using two colors of asphalt irrevocably leads to fraying and cracking. With Thermoflex you have no problem with that. Curves are very easy to realize. It is a matter of setting out and taping off. The road builder can thus work much more efficiently and the client is guaranteed a homogeneous top layer and a permanently slip-resistant and colorfast top layer with a high attention value which he does not have to worry about."

Years of experience

Thermoflex has a proven service life expectancy of more than 20 years and is applied cold. The thickness of the coating is extremely low compared to the top layer and can be milled off at the end of its service life. The milled asphalt can be reused in the intermediate layer or substructure. "We have almost 40 years of experience with Thermoflex. So we know from practical experience what is and is not possible with the product," Patrick clarifies. "But our role is bigger than just applying the coating, we are a knowledge partner for our relations."