New technology can extend the life of road surfaces by years

During the process, rejuvenating materials are applied to the surface of the pavement, restoring the elasticity and sealing properties of the asphalt. The process reduces the risk of rainwater infiltration, while maintaining the roughness of the pavement and the traction of vehicles for a longer period of time. Bitumen renewal can stabilise the condition of the pavement for at least two to four years.

The pilot project implemented on the M60 motorway confirmed the effectiveness of the method.

BITUNOVA Kft. first tested the technology on a designated section of the M60 motorway, documenting the effects of the intervention over a two-year follow-up period. The results of the tests confirmed the effectiveness of the method: the rejuvenated section retained its watertightness, roughness and overall structural integrity over the years.

The technology has been applied to new sections

Following these positive experiences, BITUNOVA won another contract in 2025: to resurface the exits, junctions and rest areas of the M6–M60 motorway. Rejuvenator technology was used in the designated areas. The work was carried out without traffic restrictions, with moving diversions, and the project was completed on time and without a hitch.

Special technical background

Rejuvenator technology belongs to the family of surface coatings, but it has special requirements for application. It requires a specially developed machine park that can ensure even spreading of the material and optimal material usage. BITUNOVA uses its own specially developed bitumen emulsion, which has been optimised specifically for rejuvenation purposes. The surface is roughened using precisely prepared basalt grit, which guarantees adequate vehicle traction in the long term.

Advantages and limitations of the technology

Rejuvenator technology is an advantageous solution in several respects: it ensures rapid implementation with minimal traffic restrictions. The intervention can even be carried out with moving traffic diversion. The maintenance and renewal of the pavement can be carried out at a fraction of the cost of complete layer replacement. This technology supports sustainability, as it can be used to increase the service life of pavements and reduce the frequency of structural replacements, which have a high environmental impact. However, one limitation is that the technology can only be used economically on larger surfaces due to the special machinery required.

Sustainable approach to the domestic road network

The Rejuvenator technology used by BITUNOVA Kft. fits well with modern pavement maintenance guidelines, which prioritise condition preservation over costly and time-consuming layer replacements. Based on experience gained on the domestic motorway network, widespread introduction of this method could result in significant savings, more sustainable operation and longer pavement life in the future.