The Transgabonaise Road: A Sustainable Infrastructure Project With a Focus on the Circular Economy
A strategic road for Gabon, an exemplary project for the environment.
The Transgabonaise Road, a major route crossing Gabon from east to west, plays a central role in opening up communities and boosting the economy. But beyond its logistical importance, it now embodies a new approach to road construction promoted by Colas, placing the circular economy at the heart of its strategy.
Recycol: In-situ Recycling for Sustainable Construction
For the vast Route 1 rehabilitation project, Colas’ teams used Recycol technology, an in-situ cold recycling process. This technique makes it possible to:
- Reuse existing pavement materials directly on site,
- Avoid extracting new resources,
- Significantly reduce the volume of materials transported.
The result? Less waste, lower CO₂ emissions, and fewer resources consumed. The method illustrates a major ambition: to reduce the impact of our activities, without compromising on technical performance.
Circular Economy on a Large Scale
The incorporation of recycled materials in the Transgabonaise Road project is part of a global approach. In 2023, Colas recycled 11.2 million metric tons of materials during its construction activities, i.e., the equivalent of the annual production of 45 average-sized quarries.
The figure confirms that the circular economy is a reality at Colas. On a major route like the Transgabonaise, it demonstrates that durability and high technical standards can coexist in harmony.
Preserving Resources
This iconic project illustrates one of the Group's core beliefs: existing infrastructure represents a pool of resources. Reusing materials not only extends the life of road assets but also reduces the ecological footprint of the construction sector.
Giving a new lease of life to construction waste is a way of not only preserving our planet’s resources and our environment, but also of reducing our carbon impact.
William De Lumley
Group Vice President, Keystone and Circular Economy
Each section of road renovated with Recycol is a step towards a more resilient and sustainable piece of infrastructure, better suited to the challenges of the 21st century.
A Showcase for colas Innovation in Central Africa
Beyond its local impact, the Transgabonaise project is a showcase for Colas' expertise in innovation, sustainable resource management, and responsible mobility. The project proves that building with less is not only possible, but also essential if we are to address current environmental challenges.
