Jersey Pavements to Lose Signature Red Look in Upgrades

St Helier Pavements to Lose Red Colour as Parish Shifts to Black Asphalt

The distinctive red pavements within St Helier’s ring road are set to disappear, with parish officials confirming that future resurfacing will use black asphalt instead.

The change comes after rising costs, durability issues and supply problems with the coloured material. Officials said red asphalt, used for nearly two decades, was more attractive but now almost 60% more expensive than the black alternative and far less practical.

The parish roads committee voted in 2022 to phase out the material and has now formalised the policy.

Committee member Jason Lagadu said the visual appeal of red asphalt was undermined by inconsistency in batches and fading over time.“The problem is it oxidises quickly,” he explained. “Even from two separate batches, the colour can change overnight. When older sections are patched, the contrast can be quite stark.”

By comparison, black asphalt is not only cheaper but expected to last twice as long. Recent resurfacing works on Pomona Road and Le Breton Lane have already adopted the new material.

Lagadu added that switching to black asphalt was both a practical and financial decision.“It’s a more durable product and, when patched, it blends far better. On the rates side, we also have to make sure we’re looking after our ratepayers,” he said.