Precision Technology Paves the Way to Mutual Success
Creating fit-for-the-future highways has never been more critical, as we collectively seek to deliver roads that will support modern transport habits and boost economic growth for years to come.
With pressures mounting to deliver high-quality roads that are safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective, technology is poised to transform the sector. Yet, adoption remains uneven and broader integration is needed if the industry is to fully benefit from its capabilities.
Here, Luc Le Maire, senior vice president EMEA at Topcon Positioning Systems, explains why a unified push from all corners of the sector is required for road construction to reach its full potential.
Bridging the gap
Delivering roads that can withstand the challenges of modern transportation requires a concerted effort across the entire industry. Contractors, road authorities, equipment manufacturers, and policymakers need to work together to embrace technology that supports long-term infrastructure goals. While precision technology offers significant benefits, its widespread use depends on everyone working in unison.
A major barrier to adoption is the perceived upfront cost of technology. Precision tools such as machine control systems and digital workflows can seem prohibitive at first, but the long-term savings in efficiency and reduced rework far outweigh the initial investment. As the pressure on contractors to build high-quality roads grows, particularly under tight margins and deadlines, precision technology can deliver not just quality, but also substantial cost savings.
Driving quality, minimizing costs
Europe faces significant challenges in maintaining and expanding its road network. The cost of repairing aging infrastructure and building new roads to support urban growth is high. According to the European Road Assessment Programme (EuroRAP), road damage costs European economies billions each year.
Precision technology provides a solution by improving accuracy, reducing waste, and minimizing costly rework. For example, using machine control systems in asphalt paving ensures that exactly the right amount of material is applied and in exactly the right way, cutting down on material spend and the need for adjustments.
Workflows like SmoothRide by Topcon provide real-time feedback on road surfaces, ensuring the finished product meets precise specifications and helping the project be delivered on budget. When integrated across every stage of the project – scanning, design, milling, paving and compaction – this technology helps contractors monitor progress, detect inefficiencies, and make timely adjustments to avoid delays and cost overruns. Local authorities need safer roads, road users want smoother journeys, and contractors want to deliver quality work to build long-term relationships – technology can offer a solution that meets all of these needs.
Data-driven construction
Highway construction carries significant risks, and the costs of mistakes can be high. But data-driven insights help contractors make on-the-spot decisions that optimize material use, fuel consumption, and overall sustainability. By collecting and integrating data from multiple sources, contractors get a complete view of the project, ensuring that all aspects, from materials to timelines, are optimized.
Data also plays a key role in the preparation phase. For example, connecting precision tools to milling machines ensures roads are milled correctly the first time, saving money and reducing material waste. This also helps reduce fuel consumption, making the project more sustainable.
What’s more, technology can predict potential issues before they happen. For example, tools that detect thermal segregation in asphalt give contractors early warning signals, allowing them to adjust materials, delivery schedules, and paver speeds to avoid failures. This proactive approach reduces maintenance needs, cuts rework, and improves fuel efficiency, making the entire process more cost-effective and sustainable.
As the industry faces challenges like skills shortages and increasing regulatory pressures, precision technology is a key tool for delivering higher-quality work, supported by data and skilled teams who have the right knowledge to get the job done.
Meeting sustainability demands
As sustainability becomes a central concern for both public and private sectors, tracking and reporting emissions is essential. Precision technology helps by collecting real-time data on carbon footprints, material use, and fuel consumption. With this data, contractors can create detailed reports to show their commitment to sustainability, whether for regulatory compliance, investor relations, or tender submissions.
In Europe, where environmental regulations are tightening, providing clear and accurate sustainability data is becoming more important. Digital workflows make it easier to collect and analyse this data, helping contractors stay ahead of regulations and improve their reputation in a competitive market.
The road ahead
For road construction to thrive in the future, the adoption of precision technology is not optional – it’s essential. From improving the quality and efficiency of roadworks to ensuring sustainability and enabling collaboration, digital tools are poised to transform the industry.
By embracing these technologies, stakeholders can work together to create safer, more durable, and environmentally friendly roads for generations to come. The future of road construction is not just about paving new roads, it’s about building smarter, more sustainable infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of a rapidly changing world.
