Two-wheel mobility, in Milan, the first cycle path with 100% green asphalt
Recycled and cold-laid asphalt now covers two sections of the cycle path to Parco Idroscalo.
Innovative, sustainable and safe green asphalt, made entirely from material obtained from the demolition of old pavements (commonly known as “milling”), now covers two sections of the cycle path along Milan’s Idroscalo.
The resurfacing work involved two sections of the Segrate Idroscalo Park cycle path, with a total length of 313 metres, a width of 3 metres and a wearing course thickness of 4 cm.
The new cycle paths were inaugurated on 24 July.
Milan’s cycle paths and the “Cambio” project
The resurfacing work will make the cycle path at Milan’s Idroscalo the first in Lombardy to use innovative green asphalt, thanks to the use of 100% recycled and cold-laid asphalt.
This cycle path is part of the “Cambio” project, the cycling plan of the City of Milan, which includes 750 kilometres of dedicated cycle paths.
It is a system project that includes various objectives such as environmental protection, safety, economic development and general well-being.
Specifically, the section in question is part of line 6, which runs from Milan to Caravaggio in the province of Bergamo, via Segrate (and thus Idroscalo Park), Pioltello, Rodano, Vignate, Liscate and Truccazzano.
The data
Compared with paving using traditional hot technologies, the use of this innovative, 100% Italian technology has allowed a reduction of 9.6 tonnes of CO2eq (70% less) and a reduction in energy consumption of over 30,000 kWh (67% less).
In addition, 186.8 tonnes of raw materials extracted from quarries (96% less) and almost 10 tonnes of bitumen (94% less) were saved.
The technology
The technology used by the City of Milan, called Iterlene ACF 1000 HP Green, is the result of three years of research and development by an Italian company.
The rejuvenated asphalt can be completely reused for a new layer, while maintaining the same properties as traditionally produced asphalt.
In addition, the pavement has been coloured red using oxides to improve visibility, ensure greater road safety and contribute to the reduction of the urban heat island effect, making it possible to reduce the temperature of the cycle path by up to 18°C (data from research carried out by the University of Padua in collaboration with the Italian company that managed the project).
Coloured paving has been shown to be a valid solution for combating the effects of climate change by limiting urban overheating.
