Surface dressing scheme starts on roads across the county

Lincolnshire County Council contractors will start work today (Monday 11 May) on a three-month programme of redressing roads in Lincolnshire.

Surface dressing is an efficient way of prolonging the life of Lincolnshire’s roads. We spray the existing road surface with a coating of bitumen, and then spread stone chippings on top. The chippings are then rolled into the bitumen, creating a new surface.

After 24 hours, the bitumen has set, and we will sweep the road to remove loose chippings and reopen it to traffic. Traffic driving over the new service at a reduced speed helps to further set the chippings.

We will then sweep the road twice more – once after a week, and again after 13 weeks – to remove any further loose chippings. Road markings and studs will be replaced within 28 days.

Redressing roads can help extend the life of the road by between 10 and 15 years.  

Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Surface dressing is a key part of the routine maintenance of our roads. It extends their life without the lengthy disruption caused by completely digging the road up and resurfacing.

“Redressed roads are more skid-resistant and have a waterproof seal, which helps prevent potholes forming. Crucially, surface dressing helps us keep roads in good condition for longer so that we can focus our resources on fully resurfacing the roads that need it most.”

You can find out what roads are set to be resurfaced over the coming weeks online at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/surfacedressing.

Signs will also be put up on roads to advise residents and drivers of upcoming works. If redressing is taking place on your street, please do not park on the road when work is taking place.

Please note that work is weather dependent, and so the schedule is subject to change.

The contractor’s crews working on the redressing scheme are living together in temporary accommodation whilst work takes place.

As well as allowing them to be closer to the roads they are working on, the added benefit of living together means that the impact of and need for social distancing between the workers is reduced.