City of Moreton Bay reports that a Queensland-first road surfacing project in the City of Moreton Bay demonstrated how end-of-life tires can be recycled into durable, lower-carbon asphalt, earning state-level recognition for sustainable infrastructure innovation.

Delivered during the 2024/25 financial year, the research and development project was undertaken by Fulton Hogan in partnership with the City of Moreton Bay. The initiative focused on developing a dense graded asphalt mix suitable for Queensland’s subtropical climate, incorporating both tire-derived crumb rubber and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP).

As part of the trials, crumb rubber binder was blended with up to 30% RAP and tested on local roads to assess performance, durability, and constructability under real-world conditions. The resulting asphalt mix was designed specifically for local government road networks, where longevity, maintenance efficiency, and environmental performance are critical.

The project was recognized by the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA), receiving the Queensland state award for “Outstanding Project Less Than $10 Million.” The judges highlighted the project’s technical outcomes as well as its contribution to circular economy practices in road construction.

Across the City of Moreton Bay’s 2024/25 road resurfacing program, Fulton Hogan resurfaced 82 streets across multiple council divisions. In total, the works used approximately 7,838 tonnes of recycled asphalt and incorporated rubber recovered from 28,748 end-of-life passenger tires. According to project data, the initiative delivered an estimated carbon dioxide emissions saving of 556,361 kilograms compared with conventional asphalt approaches.

The asphalt was produced as warm mix asphalt, allowing manufacturing at lower temperatures than traditional hot mix asphalt. This reduced energy consumption during production while supporting the inclusion of higher recycled content.

From a tire recycling perspective, the project illustrated how crumb rubber derived from waste tires can be reintegrated into long-life infrastructure applications, helping divert material from landfill and reducing reliance on virgin raw materials. Roads remain one of the largest potential end markets for recycled tire rubber, particularly when supported by performance testing and climate-specific design.

The City of Moreton Bay indicated that the project aligned with its longer-term objective of reducing emissions from council operations and encouraging innovation in sustainable infrastructure delivery. Following the trial’s success, the council continued to encourage road resurfacing contractors to develop and propose new environmentally focused asphalt solutions.

Beyond resurfacing, the city also reported progress on additional green infrastructure projects aimed at improving road safety for motorists and wildlife, reinforcing the role of sustainable design in broader transport and environmental planning.

The project was cited as an example of how collaboration between local government and industry could accelerate practical applications for tire recycling while delivering measurable climate and infrastructure benefits.

Read the full article by the City of Moreton Bay.