A large-scale programme to maintain and improve the quality of Cambridgeshire’s roads is well underway.
Around £5m is being invested into a programme of surface dressing, which will prevent damage and prolong the life of the county’s roads, as well as ensure they continue to be safe for all road users.
This week, Cllr Neil Shailer, vice-chair of Highways and Transport Committee, went to visit Great Paxton in St Neots – just one of the roads being treated, to see the crews in action.
Our highways team is carrying out a programme of different surface treatments using a range of techniques, including micro asphalt and grip fibre. The team has already treated 39 locations, ahead of schedule, and a further 53 roads are in the process of being done.
Cllr Neil Shailer said: “We are carrying out a range of schemes to catch wear and tear before more serious faults arise. Especially sealing cracks, that would otherwise let water in with such destructive consequences. The programme will help roads in Cambridgeshire avoid potholes for around five years.
“It was great to see the crews in action, and I was pleased to hear that some of the surface dressing has finished early this season. The benefits of completing early include: we avoid the problems hot weather can cause; it gets work done before the more complex work starts and so reduces disruption, and finally; we’re mindful of our rural roads and the impact on the agricultural industry so we avoid peak harvest times.”
The team have begun the ‘footway sealing’ programme, as well. This involves filling in minor dips and providing a more even surface.
In addition to this surface dressing programme, a countywide programme of road markings, carriageway and footway resurfacing is also being delivered. As well as ongoing work addressing the roads on peat soils across the county.
For more information about the locations and the types of road surface treatment, visit our website - Road surface treatment schedule - Cambridgeshire County Council
