Heliocol: Branscome Inc's Modified Chip-Seal Process

On a blessedly sunny, warm day in October, a group of Bransome, Inc. employees prepared to lay the first pass of a new Modified Chip-Seal process developed by their parent company, Colas. Called Heliocol, the product had only been used in France, but the locations were impressive - The Chateau at Versailles and the Chambord Castle. Now, Colonial Williamsburg was to be added to these historical sites.

Heliocol is a type of surface treatment that has a number of innovative features. Its natural appearance makes it unique to its surroundings. The color and type of aggregate used will dictate it’s final appearance. Unlike the typical emulsion that the industry is using, this emulsion has a butterscotch color when first applied, but once cured, has a translucent brown appearance. This allows the new surface treatment to take on the color of whichever aggregates are being used.

For Williamsburg, brown gravel was chosen, to replicate an old sand/gravel road. The new surface looks like a stabilized sand and gravel road, but one that is much more durable, with very little dust, and free from water puddles. It can withstand intense pedestrian traffic as well as light vehicle traffic and bicycles, in all types of weather. It can be placed on any existing asphalt or concrete surface, that is in good condition.

The next time you visit Williamsburg make sure you travel down Franklin Street in Colonial Williamsburg or stop by the Historical Train Station or Carters Grove to see this unique product.

To see the process in action, visit the VAA Youtube channel.