Quieter Streets

The Province of Turin is repaving long stretches of road, such as the Borgaro-Venaria ring road, with bitumen modified via the addition of ground rubber. The initiative is part of the TyRec4life project, which calls for the use of modified asphalts, and is financed through the European three-year Life+ program.
The Turin Polytechnic is studying all aspects of this type of road surface, from the optimum mixture to the effect of inhaled emissions on the health of workers. While it might seem that one road is the same as another when you drive, the truth is otherwise. The characteristics of conglomerates based on ground rubber include better drainage, better traction, sound absorption (rubber dampens acoustic vibrations), and savings on energy and natural resources (recycled rubber is one of the basic ingredients). This type of road surface does not dissipate the energy of passing vehicles but absorb it. Furthermore, the rubber provides elasticity that ensures a longer lasting road.