Central Bedfordshire Council to upgrade 19 roads with summer surface dressing programme
Monday, 12 August 2024
We have has begun our summer programme of surface dressing works, enhancing 19 priority roads across the county and repairing damage from cold and wet conditions, ensuring smoother and safer journeys.
Resurfacing work on each road is planned, with follow-up tasks like road marking reinstatement scheduled. Following a successful trial of the Lockchip treatment, we are excited to expand the use of this surface dressing technique, which not only enhances the appearance and performance of road surfaces but also prevents loose chippings.
Surface dressing is a cost-effective, preventative treatment designed to extend the life of roads by sealing them, improving skid resistance, and preventing water damage that leads to potholes. It's a key part of our maintenance strategy, alongside resurfacing and patching, and is 12 times more cost-efficient than full resurfacing.
The process is swift—urban roads can be finished in two to three hours, while rural roads typically take less than a day. Multiple roads can be treated in a single day, although the schedule may shift due to weather conditions.
Councillor John Baker, Executive Member for Finance and Highways at Central Bedfordshire Council, said:
We are committed to maintaining and improving the condition of our roads for the benefit of all residents and road users in Central Bedfordshire. Our summer surface dressing programme demonstrates our proactive approach to road maintenance, addressing damage caused by harsh weather conditions and preventing future issues like potholes. By using innovative treatments such as Lockchip, we are not only enhancing the appearance and performance of our roads but also using cost-effective solutions. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we carry out these essential works.
Find out more about surface dressing, including which roads will be treated.