We're upgrading 11 roads in our summer surface dressing programme
Friday, 22 August 2025
We began our annual summer surface dressing programme this week, enhancing 11 priority roads across the region to improve road conditions and extend their lifespan.
Names of roads being surface dressed:
- Mentmore Road, Leighton-Linslade
- Billington Road, Leighton-Linslade
- Meadway, Dunstable
- Friars Walk, Dunstable
- Borough Road, Dunstable
- Luton Road, Slip End
- Markyate Road, Slip End
- High Street, Pulloxhill
- The Grove, Houghton Conquest
- Horsepool Lane, Husborne Crawley
- Leighton Buzzard Bypass
This essential maintenance work will repair damage caused by cold and wet weather, helping to prevent future potholes and ensuring smoother, safer journeys for all road users. Each road will undergo surfacing dressing, followed by tasks such as road marking reinstatement.
Surface dressing is a fast, cost-effective preventative treatment that seals roads, improves skid resistance and protects against water damage. It is a key part of our road maintenance strategy and is up to 12 times more cost efficient than full resurfacing and can last for around 10 years.
Urban roads can be completed in just 2 to 3 hours, with rural roads typically finished in under a day. Multiple roads may be treated daily, although the schedule is subject to weather conditions.
Building on the success of last year’s trial, we will again be using the innovative Lockchip surface dressing technique the following week. Lockchip improves the durability and appearance of road surfaces while significantly reducing loose chippings, enhancing safety and reducing clean-up.
Find out more about surface dressing.
Councillor John Baker, our Executive Member for Finance and Highways, 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 cold 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.