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Building a new type of road could help prevent potholes, researchers at the University of Surrey say.

Thermo-active roads could stop the development of holes caused by freezing and thawing in the winter, and could also improve how major roads are maintained and upgraded, a study says.

An £800,000 research fellowship has been awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering to test the new approach.

Project lead Dr Benyi Cao, a lecturer in the School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, says there will be "long-term benefits" to drivers and taxpayers.

Dr Cao will work with National Highways to trial the use of geothermal energy to keep road surfaces at a controlled temperature.

This involves introducing ground source heat pumps to cool roads in summer and warm them in winter.

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