Hemp Fiber Roads: A New Step in Road Construction

In late summer 2017, French specialists showcased a section of highway that incorporated hemp fiber alongside other components. The use of this new technology allows for a reduction in the amount of bitumen required while simultaneously increasing the wear resistance of the road surface.

The appearance of hemp in this new application is hardly surprising, as this plant has a number of advantages that humanity has utilized for thousands of years. Our ancestors have long used elements of this valuable plant as an insulating material in construction.

Mixtures with added hemp fiber possess unmatched properties—they help prevent the degradation of bitumen and asphalt surfaces. These excellent characteristics have secured hemp’s place in road surface mixtures.

The road section demonstrated by the French confirmed the unique qualities of the plant’s fiber. The hemp underlayer, according to the new technology, increases resistance to damage and mechanical strength, which will significantly reduce maintenance costs for roadways.