Advanced laboratories that could hold the key to developing safer and more durable roads of the future have officially opened in Cheshunt in Hertfordshire.

The Jean Lefebvre (UK) technical centre is currently focusing on research and development into so-called ‘intelligent’ roads, an assessment of aggregates chosen in surfacing materials on low speed networks and an evaluation of pothole repair processes and techniques.

The technical centre takes its lead from the company’s international research facility in Bordeaux, which develops and validates new highway products and systems.

Jean Lefebvre (UK) divisional manager Jonathan Core said: “With the support of Eurovia SAS in France, the vision to have strong technical support facilities with research and development capabilities in the UK has now been realised.”

Eurovia UK chief executive Scott Wardrop added: “I am delighted to open the new technical centre and I’ve no doubt that it will enable the Jean Lefebvre (UK) technical consultancy to deliver a complete and high standard of technical service to clients up and down the country for years to come.”

CIHT President and Ringway director David Gibby said: “It is no secret that in order to thrive the highways and transportation industry must focus on innovation, research and development. It is great news that the new technical centre has been equipped to aid innovation in the industry.”

Recent developments over in Bordeaux include the use of sensors in a road to provide real time information on carriageway condition, allowing changes to be monitored over time. Other developments include new vegetable based binders and next generation warm mix asphalt applications.