Drivers may soon have relief from potholes and cracks in the road. Scientists from three British universities have come up with a clever and innovative solution to plugging holes in roads and highways. They have created a bacteria-filled concrete to prevent cracks from becoming larger. The concrete is full of bacteria that open when water gets into a crack. The bacteria open and inject limestone into the crack, thus filling and repairing it to avoid more serious damage. The discovery could increase the lifespan of roads, reduce repairs, and lower roadwork costs by up to 50 per cent.

The new concrete is good news for the environment. Over seven per cent of CO2 emissions come from the production of cement. With less cement needed to repair roads, there will be less pollution. The new cement will also reduce accidents, injuries and deaths that result from potholes. Thousands of motorists and pedestrians die because drivers swerve to avoid holes in roads. There is also good news for governments. Thousands of drivers a year get compensation for damages to their car caused by potholes. The concrete could be in roads in the next 20 years.