Project Spotlight: Capturing the A391 Resurfacing for Miles Macadam in St Austell

In March 2025, we received an exciting enquiry from Miles Macadam, a specialist road surfacing contractor based in Cheshire. The brief? To document a flagship infrastructure project in partnership with Cornwall County Council and Cormac, covering nearly 2 miles of the A391 between Scredda and Cudra, on the northeast edge of St Austell.

The road was closed from 6th to 31st May to allow for the resurfacing works. Over that period, HD Drone Photography visited the site four times, capturing key milestones - from the laying of the macadam to the final grouting and line painting.

Our initial flight took place on 9th May, shortly after work began, and our final visit was completed on 30th May, just before the road reopened to traffic. These carefully timed site visits allowed us to document the full story of the upgrade from start to finish.

A Road Built to Last

This project involved upgrading a critical 3km stretch of the A391 North East Distributor Road - a key bypass route for the St Austell area that supports local traffic flow and economic connectivity. Locally known as “the new road,” this stretch holds its name with pride, even after the completion of the Roche bypass. For residents, it's still the new road - and now, it’s better than ever.

Miles Macadam brought a dual approach to the table:

• Milepave™ PMB was used for the main carriageway

• Hardipave™, a certified Grouted Macadam surface course, was applied at high-stress roundabouts to deliver long-term strength in heavily trafficked areas

To ensure the works progressed with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption, the team utilised a power feeder and ran two pavers in tandem, allowing their surfacing crews to operate simultaneously.

Aerial Insight: The HD Drone Photography Advantage

Through four well-planned drone missions, we captured stunning aerial footage that documented:

• The pre-works condition of the A391

• The paver-laying process of Milepave™

• Hardipave™ application on high-impact zones

• The finishing stages, including grouting and white lining

From our first flight on 9th May to our final shoot on 30th May, we followed the project closely, providing high-definition visuals that now serve as a valuable asset for Miles Macadam’s project documentation and marketing materials.

Seeing the Heat: Thermal Imaging in Action

For this project, we also incorporated our thermal imaging technology - a powerful tool for assessing surface temperature dynamics in real time. This provided an extra layer of insight, capturing:

• The heat signature of the road surface during macadam application

• The thermal profile of vehicles delivering hot materials to the site

The average overhead temperature of the lorries delivering surfacing material measured an impressive 76°C, while the laying temperature of the macadam itself peaked at an average of 157°C. These readings offer not just compelling visuals, but also valuable data for quality assurance and future project planning.

A Flagship Collaboration

The A391 resurfacing marks a landmark project for Miles Macadam, Cornwall Council, and Cormac, showcasing engineering innovation and collaborative project delivery. We’re proud to have contributed by capturing the transformation from the skies.

At HD Drone Photography, we understand that infrastructure projects are more than just roads - they're vital arteries of movement and economic growth. Our aerial services help tell the full story, from groundworks to grand openings.

🎥 Watch the video below for a full highlights reel documenting the entire resurfacing journey.

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