Road resurfacing programme
Over time road surfaces become worn out due to the volume of traffic that use them and the different extremes of weather that affect them. Engineers regularly carry out electronic scanning and visually inspect our roads.
Types of surface treatment
Different surface treatments are used to maintain roads. Factors involved in choosing the type of treatment include:
- the condition of the road
- how busy the road is
- how many years of good condition will result from the money spent on the treatment
The main types of treatment we have to choose from are:
Machine resurfacing (inlay surfacing)
Some or all of the existing surface is removed using a planer and a completely new surface is laid as a replacement.
The planed area will have the manholes and gullies adjusted and replaced if needed to suit the new road surface levels.
A bitumen spray coat will then be applied, and the new surfacing laid on top. The new surface is then rolled whilst it cools. The surfacing will consist of either 1 or 2 separate layers, dependent on the shape and condition of the underlying road structure.
This treatment is used where the road is badly worn and in a condition that requires replacement.
Surface dressing
A thin layer of bitumen and stone is laid on top of the existing surface which seals all the cracks and provides a new running surface.
Surface dressing takes place during the spring and summer months, although we will carry out preparation works, such as patching, all year round. The treatment involved is sensitive to weather that is too cold, hot or wet, so sometimes we have to change the date of advertised works at short notice. If this happens, the road side signing will be altered with the new dates, and the published programme will also be changed.
Firstly, any potholes or other defects are patched, and the road surface made level in preparation for the surface dressing works. When the surface dressing starts, the existing road surface is coated with bitumen and then covered with stone chippings. The chippings are then rolled into the bitumen. This forms a water-resistant protective layer which makes the road less slippery and extends its life.
As soon as the bitumen has set, we sweep the road to remove any loose chippings, but the nature of the treatment means there will be some loose chippings on the road surface until it beds down. After about a week we return to the road to sweep up any loose chippings that have not been pressed into the bitumen and road markings will be added.
This treatment is used where the surface is in reasonably good condition, but would soon start to deteriorate. This treatment protects the road and provides an overall improvement which can last up to 10 years. We can cover a large area very quickly at relatively low cost.
Micro-surfacing
This is a more durable process than surface dressing and places a thin layer of a complete new surface on top of the existing road. We generally use Gripfibre, a thin layer of premixed bitumen, fine graded aggregates and a filler, which is applied cold. This provides a hard wearing, water-resistant, protective layer on the carriageway, restoring surface texture and improving skid resistance.
There may be some loose material on the road for a short while after it has been laid. This will be swept up when we return to add the road markings.
This treatment protects the road and provides an overall improvement which can last up to 10 years. We can cover a large area very quickly at relatively low cost.
Slurry seal for footways
We resurface and reconstruct our footways when necessary, depending on their condition, usage and any defects. Generally, where footways do not need a full reconstruction they are treated using a thin liquid applied product, called slurry sealing.
How this affects you
Depending on the road width and nature of the road being treated, we usually have to close the road and introduce local diversions. Where possible, traffic will be controlled with traffic lights or stop and go boards.
Signage
While the work is in progress, the following warning signs will be used as needed:
- temporary road surface
- raised ironworks
- no road markings
- ramp boards
Access to your property
We will try to allow you to drive in and out of your property, but do take extra care because the step up into your property driveway may be higher, until the final surface is complete. At certain times of the works it will not be possible to maintain access to your property as we will be working directly in front of your house. Be patient with us at these times.
Night working
In some places where there is a lot of traffic the work may have to be done during the evening or at night to minimize congestion. Night working also allows for longer working sessions, allowing the work to be done more quickly than if we used the daytime between rush hours.
The decision to do the work at night is not taken lightly because of the possible disturbance to sleeping residents, and also because night work carries additional costs to the council. These considerations have to be carefully weighed alongside the scale of disruption to the whole community that would happen if the work is done during normal hours.
Road markings
After the resurfacing, the road markings will be replaced. This may not be on the same day, especially for surface dressing and micro-surfacing schemes where the road needs to be reswept a few days later to remove any loose aggregate before the markings are installed.
What you need to do
Do not park your vehicle on the part of the road to be treated, during the planned working hours. If you need advice, ask site staff or call the Highways Engineering Team on 01344 352000.
During the planing process involved in the inlay resurfacing treatment, dust may be produced, particularly when windy. If possible, keep windows and doors closed.
When the bitumen spray coat is applied, it is very sticky. Do not drive or walk through it, as it may be carried on to your property. If you need access, ask site staff.
Avoid driving or walking through the new surfacing until it has been compacted and the road has been re-opened to general traffic.
If the traffic management permits vehicle access, restrict your speed to as slow as possible through the site during the works and beware of operatives, ramps, raised manholes and gullies.
Some road surfacing involves the use of hot materials, and newly laid surfaces remain hot for some time. It is important that everybody, especially children and pets, be kept well away from the work until the road is re-opened to traffic.
Resurfacing leaflets
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Document
Resurfacing leaflet
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Document
Micro-surfacing leaflet
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1 MB |
Network North road improvement scheme
Funding has been unlocked from the government Network North scheme.
We will use this funding for additional resurfacing and other road maintenance work. This will be delivered between April 2023 and March 2025.
Details of our work plan is in the document below.
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You can read more about the Network North scheme on GOV.UK.