The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA), in collaboration with Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA), has released a new national model specification for crumb rubber modified asphalt used on local government roads. The Crumb Rubber Modified Dense Graded Asphalt (CRM DGA) Model Specification – Light to Medium Duty Roads reflects a coordinated effort to provide clearer guidance for councils seeking to use crumb rubber in road construction and maintenance.

Local governments manage approximately 75% of Australia’s road network, including residential streets and community infrastructure. Existing asphalt specifications have traditionally been developed with higher-order state roads in mind, leaving councils to interpret standards that do not always reflect the typical conditions of local networks.

The new CRM DGA specification is intended to address this gap by providing technical guidance tailored to roads where environmental exposure and ageing, rather than heavy traffic, are the primary causes of surface deterioration.

By incorporating crumb rubber modified binders, the specification outlines a pathway to improved pavement durability and potentially longer service life. It also aligns with circular-economy objectives by supporting increased demand for end-of-life tyres and strengthening domestic recycling markets. Key elements of the document include requirements for CRM DGA mix design, guidance on construction processes such as compaction and temperature control, performance testing criteria and considerations for the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement.

Download the new specification directly here.

Read more about the topic on the TSA website.