Highlights from International Road Maintenance Day 2025
On 3 April 2025, the European Road Maintenance Forum (ERMF) brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and infrastructure experts to mark International Road Maintenance Day 2025 (IRMD) with a strong focus on proactive solutions. Hosted by the European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA) and streamed live from Brussels, the event highlighted how timely and strategic road maintenance can play a critical role in reducing CO₂ emissions and advancing Europe’s sustainability goals. With speakers gathered in person and a global audience joining online, the event attracted participants from more than 60 countries and featured interactive round tables, real-time audience engagement, and a live chat that encouraged meaningful exchanges.
This online event comes at a time when the urgency to reduce emissions is central to both European and international policy. With the EU targeting a 55% reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, the transport sector – one of the largest CO₂ emitters – has a significant role to play. Asphalt, covering more than 90% of Europe’s roads, has the potential to contribute meaningfully to these targets through well-planned maintenance strategies and tailor made asphalt solutions. Research shows that smoother road surfaces can reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 5%, saving an estimated 14 million tonnes of CO₂ annually – comparable to removing three million cars from circulation.
Beyond reducing emissions, good road maintenance improves safety, increases travel distance of electric vehicles, cuts noise and vehicle repair costs, and fits into the circular economy – since asphalt is 100% reusable. However, maintenance is often delayed due to budget constraints.
The ERMF online event on the International Road Maintenance Day in 2025 opened space to explore these issues. Speakers discussed how maintenance could get more attention in policy, how innovation can be scaled, and how funding should support long-term planning. The event made clear that maintenance is not just technical, it’s a strategic investment in the clean future of transport.
One of the highlights was the high level of interaction. Participants asked insightful questions and shared ideas, leading to rich and lively exchanges. Feedback was very positive, with many praising both the relevance of the topic and the quality of the discussion. A full recording of the session is available online.
Presentations explored how the green transition is reshaping national road networks, how cutting-edge innovations are changing the way road authorities tackle emerging challenges, and why the condition of our roads could be affecting both fuel bills and emissions more than we think. Add to that a closer look at low-temperature asphalt, and it becomes clear: the intersection of road maintenance, digitalisation, and environmental responsibility is not just relevant, it’s rapidly evolving
Throughout the session, speakers addressed real-world challenges and shared insights from across Europe. Camino Arce Blanco from SEITT highlighted how investments improve road performance and hence emissions. Thomas Fabian from ACEA focused on adapting infrastructure for the decarbonisation of heavy-duty vehicles. Christophe Nicodème from ERF focussed on the importance of proactive road maintance and safe mobility, while Dr. Juan José Potti, founder of IRMD, stressed the need to adapt quickly in changing times. Malcolm Simms from MPA Asphalt presented the latest findings of UK’s Alarm survey , and Steve Philips from CEDR shared perspectives from national road authorities.
International Road Maintenance Day is held every year on the first Thursday of April. ERMF will continue to be a space for industry and policy to come together and move the conversation forward.
If you missed it live, you can still watch the full session on YouTube and hear the conversations first-hand – https://bit.ly/43Ds6bg
Subscribe to the EAPA newsletter to stay informed about future events and updates from the industry – https://bit.ly/3SJObyH