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M4 resurfacing shoddy job

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  • 07-09-2020 11:01am
    #1
    amadangomor
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,148 ✭✭✭


    Anyone else notice how bad the new surface on the M4 between Kilcock and Maynooth exits is?

    It holds a lot of surface water.

    Looks to be a poor job and a danger in heavy rain. This morning you could see the surface has troughs where the water sits. and stops it draining away.

    Hopefully NRA or whoever paid for it hasn't signed off on the payment for this.

    I notice that my steering is wobbly on it also when I get above 120 or so. Fine on the old surface.


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    #2
    Rulmeq
    Registered Users Posts: 1,060 ✭✭✭Rulmeq


    amadangomor wrote: »
    I notice that my steering is wobbly on it also when I get above 120 or so. Fine on the old surface.


    Well given the speed limit, you'll never have to worry about that :p


    I think the new M7 surface is worse if I'm honest though, maybe it's just general cheapness in the spec?


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    #3
    amadangomor
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,148 ✭✭✭amadangomor


    Rulmeq wrote: »
    Well given the speed limit, you'll never have to worry about that :p


    I think the new M7 surface is worse if I'm honest though, maybe it's just general cheapness in the spec?

    Yeh, lucky I don't go past 120 :)

    Think that M4 section is smoother to reduce noise to the nearby residents. Looks like they didn't get the base right.

    Any civil engineers like to comment?


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    #4
    punisher5112
    Registered Users Posts: 24,647 ✭✭✭✭punisher5112


    Its a new type of tarmac used, very shiny but super grip, looks lake a lake surface nearly.

    I'm not sure if it's the use of plastic as that's what some are using now in addition to the other materials.


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    #5
    ahnowbrowncow
    Registered Users Posts: 2,565 ✭✭✭ahnowbrowncow


    amadangomor wrote: »
    Yeh, lucky I don't go past 120 :)

    Think that M4 section is smoother to reduce noise to the nearby residents. Looks like they didn't get the base right.

    Any civil engineers like to comment?

    No need for that, I've found them all to be quite civil.


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    #6
    testarossa40
    Registered Users Posts: 759 ✭✭✭testarossa40


    punisher5112 wrote: »
    Its a new type of tarmac used, very shiny but super grip, looks lake a lake surface nearly.

    I'm not sure if it's the use of plastic as that's what some are using now in addition to the other materials.
    It's so-called "Desert Spec" tarmac designed for very hot climates (eg the Middle East) - extremely hard-wearing but quite non-porous... Starting with the M50 widening project, the NRA specifies that motorway surfaces should contractually last 15-20yrs - or the contractor pays for any wear-related resurfacing needed below that - so this is what's been rolled out (pun intended) across the network as needed. As M50 users will be all too familiar, the downside is that it does not drain rainwater particularly well with huge volumes of spray kicked up whenever it rains. It's also lethal when damp conditions turn icy without salting or gritting.


    It's called "Desert Spec" for a reason, and a desert this country ain't...


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    #7
    punisher5112
    Registered Users Posts: 24,647 ✭✭✭✭punisher5112


    testarossa40 wrote: »
    It's so-called "Desert Spec" tarmac designed for very hot climates (eg the Middle East) - extremely hard-wearing but quite non-porous... Starting with the M50 widening project, the NRA specifies that motorway surfaces should contractually last 15-20yrs - or the contractor pays for any wear-related resurfacing needed below that - this is what's been rolled out (pun intended) across the network as needed. As M50 users will be all to familiar, the downside is that it does not drain rain water particularly well with huge volumes of spray kicked up whenever it rains. It's also lethal when damp conditions turn icy without salting or gritting.


    It's called "Desert Spec" for a reason, and a desert this country ain't...

    Would I be right in saying plastic is added? I know it is in other countries.


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    #8
    Hurrache
    Registered Users Posts: 10,165 ✭✭✭✭Hurrache


    It is lovely to drive on though.


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    #9
    testarossa40
    Registered Users Posts: 759 ✭✭✭testarossa40


    punisher5112 wrote: »
    Would I be right in saying plastic is added? I know it is in other countries.
    I'd imagine some form of resin (or plastic) is added to ensure it's very durable once set and has a high melting point - Bakelite is a plastic after all!


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    #10
    bobbyy gee
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,306 ✭✭✭bobbyy gee


    My steering is fine at 170 but I have all weather tires


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    #11
    Esel
    Registered Users Posts: 22,035 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    bobbyy gee wrote: »
    My steering is fine at 170 but I have all weather tires
    1/10 must try harder

    Not your ornery onager



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