Charcon's cycleway solution wins Highways UK innovation award

Charcon Hard Landscaping, a division of Aggregate Industries, has been crowned the winner in the ‘On the Pavement’ category at the inaugural Highways UK 2018 Materials Innovation Hub (MIH) Awards.

The awards, run by Highways UK in association with the Mineral Products Association, formed a major new component of the Highways UK 2018 event at the NEC, Birmingham. 

Charcon’s submission was its unique Cycleway Segregation Units, which are already proven as an award-winning highways solution having been named ‘Material Innovation of the Year’ at the 2016 London Construction Awards. Together with three other shortlisted entries, the Charcon team presented the solution at the trade show in front of a ‘Dragons’ Den’-style panel of judges.

In just 12 minutes, the Charcon team had to showcase how the Cycleway Segregation range offers a new approach, delivering demonstrable benefits for a clearly identified current need, as well as how it offers pragmatic and achievable solutions to real-world highways client challenges.

Mark Barter, Sales Director for Charcon, comments: “Charcon’s Cycle Segregation systems safely segregate and protects cyclists from passing traffic, even when on the blind side of a lorry or bus. It replaces traditional methods of laying two kerb lines followed by paving infill and reinstatement.

“Our customers have been very impressed by the multiple benefits the solution offers, namely: less construction time on site; less traffic disruption while works are carried out; a lowering of the project’s carbon footprint; and, ultimately, the safeguarding of cyclists and other road users.”

Charcon’s winning entry features a bull-nose edge running along the carriageway, capable of withstanding vehicular impact, while a full batter profile on the cycleway side significantly reduces the chance of cyclists catching a pedal. The frog in the base of the unit improves the key into the bedding material, reducing the weight of the unit and helping placement.

Mark Barter continues: “Highways UK’s vision with these awards is to unlock innovation across all areas of UK highway construction and maintenance. We are very proud to be counted amongst the select few that Highways UK and the Mineral Products Association deem to be at the forefront of innovative highways solutions at this time.”

For further information, visit www.charcon.com. For technical support, please call 01335 372 222 or email landscaping@aggregate.com.