Icelandic Road Administration highlights funding challenges in preventing road bleeding incidents

High-pressure washing and more asphalt could reduce road bleeding incidents. A project manager from the Icelandic Road Administration emphasized that while the causes of bleeding are understood, funding for preventive measures is lacking.

When the surface of non-asphalted roads heats up significantly, bleeding can occur, posing a danger to drivers. Heavy vehicles are identified as a key factor leading to these issues, rather than the materials used in the road’s surface.

“During the summer, particularly it’s the heat that causes this,” explained Jón Helgi Helgason, a project manager at the Road Administration. “At extreme temperatures reaching nearly 60 degrees Celsius, the materials can sink out of the mix, leaving behind a residue on the surface. This happens exclusively from heavy vehicles.” The friction and heat generated by these vehicles lead to bleeding.

Although some additives can play a role, Jón clarified they are not pivotal. Historical practices using turpentine showed that bleeding incidents would have been worse today if such materials were still in use, accumulating more on tires when applied.

Preventive actions could significantly reduce these risks. Jón mentioned that New Zealand is currently dealing with similar issues but has made substantial progress in preventive measures that Iceland could adopt. “We could use asphalt more extensively; that would entirely prevent the bleeding in the surface layer. Additionally, we need to repave roads with multiple layers of surface material and high-pressure wash sections of the mix out.”

Currently, no high-pressure washing equipment exists within the country, but it is scheduled to be imported next summer. However, funding is constrained, and the Road Administration barely manages minimal maintenance of the road network. “This is about safety, and it’s unfortunate to report that we can’t implement these preventive measures as we would like. We will try to improve the situation as much as possible.”