Bermuda’s roads can handle heavier trucks thanks to a new asphalt mix.

Works and Engineering Permanent Secretary, Dr. Derrick Binns said statements made earlier in the week by Opposition MP Jon Brunson were off base.

Mr Brunson claimed that heavier trucks were causing more wear and tear to Bermuda’s roads, which was not being addressed. He also said that the Ministry of Works and Engineering were not doing enough maintenance on the roads.

Dr. Binns said: “Our roads are designed for an average axle weight loading of ten tons. All roads will deteriorate over time because of all types of traffic, not only trucks, and because of weather. “However, trucks are harder on roads.

“Because of this, we have further improved the quality of the asphalt mix designs making it more hard wearing and water resistant, thereby increasing its longevity and carrying capacity.

“The Ministry is satisfied that our roads have the design to withstand the current tonnage that travels on Bermuda’s roads.”

He said they decided to use the new asphalt mix after completing a survey on the condition of roads in October 2005.

It was the first survey of its kind to happen on the Island, he said.

This allowed the Ministry to decided what roads were a priority and also pointed them to the need for a new asphalt mix.

He said that the 120 miles of public roads were being maintained, though mechanical problems in 2005 meant they did not reach their targets of resurfacing 6.2 miles a year. In 2005 the Ministry resurfaced 3.09 miles of road while in 2006 they resurfaced 5.48 miles.

Dr. Binns said: “We are very conscious of the road conditions in Bermuda, and the need to provide a safe environment for all road users.

The schedule for roads to be surfaced in 2007 has yet to be finalised because amendments were being made Dr. Binns said.

He added that the Ministry planned to meet their target of resurfacing 6.2 miles this year.