In the world of road construction and maintenance, the quest for quieter, safer, and more durable pavements is unending. Joining this pursuit in Europe is our highways team at Roadgrip who have been implementing Next Generation Concrete Surfacing (NGCS) across major highways in the UK and Spain.
Our trials on the M20 and M1 motorways in the UK are setting new standards in pavement technology.
NGCS is not only pushing the boundaries of what concrete surfacing can achieve, but it’s also transforming road safety, environmental performance and driver experience.
NGCS is a cutting-edge pavement texture designed to address common issues associated with traditional concrete surfaces, such as noise pollution and surface smoothness. Developed through collaborative research involving the International Grooving and Grinding Association (IGGA), NGCS combines diamond grinding and grooving techniques to create a uniform driving surface.
Unlike traditional concrete finishes, which can be noisy and uneven over time, NGCS creates a consistent, smooth, and quieter driving experience.
The NGCS process involves two core steps:
Diamond Grinding – This initial phase involves removing a thin layer from the top of the concrete surface. The process evens out bumps and imperfections, improving the flatness and uniformity of the carriageway.
Longitudinal Grooving – Once the surface is ground, parallel grooves are cut into the concrete. These grooves run in the direction of travel and play a crucial role in reducing tyre-pavement noise and improving surface drainage and grip.
The result is a meticulously engineered surface texture that significantly outperforms conventional concrete in key performance areas.
NGCS offers a host of benefits, making it an appealing option for busy roads and motorways:
Reduced Noise: One of NGCS’s most significant advantages is its acoustic performance. It’s currently regarded as the quietest non-porous concrete surface available, reducing tyre noise by several decibels compared to traditional finishes.
Improved Safety: The uniform texture and strategic grooving improve tyre grip and reduce spray in wet conditions. This helps reduce the risk of skidding and enhances driver control.
Longer Lifespan: NGCS-treated surfaces retain their properties for many years. The precision of the grinding and grooving means the road doesn’t degrade as quickly, leading to fewer repairs and lower lifecycle costs.
Environmental Gains: A smoother road means vehicles use less fuel, helping to cut emissions. Additionally, NGCS’s durability means fewer maintenance interventions, reducing environmental disruption and material waste.
Roadgrip has been instrumental in bringing NGCS technology to the UK and Europe. Working in partnership with National Highways and key stakeholders, we’ve carried out extensive trials on some of the country’s most important routes.
On the M20 and M1, NGCS has been trialled to test its performance under high traffic volumes. Early results have shown strong improvements in ride quality and noticeable reductions in road noise—important gains for both motorists and nearby communities.
These trials have also given Roadgrip and project partners valuable insight into how NGCS performs in the UK’s variable weather and high-usage conditions.
Building on their UK success, trialled NGCS in Spain. With different climatic and traffic conditions, the Spanish trials are helping to validate the technology across a wider set of environments.
In particular, Spanish highways have provided an ideal testing ground for examining NGCS’s performance under intense summer heat and extended stretches of open road.
As roads across Europe come under increasing pressure—from growing traffic, environmental regulations, and rising public expectations—solutions like NGCS offer a practical, scalable way forward.
With Roadgrip spearheading its introduction and refinement, NGCS is no longer just an experimental technique; it’s becoming a viable, proven upgrade for the next generation of concrete motorways.
From quieter neighbourhoods to safer carriageways and more sustainable roads, NGCS offers benefits across the board. We are proud to be driving this innovation forward.
Contact our team to learn more.