Resurfacing and surface treatments
Kent has one of the largest road networks in the country. We are
responsible for looking after over 5,000 miles of roads and 4,000
miles of pavements.
We need to understand the condition of our roads and pavements
so that we can prioritise them for repair. To do this we collect
data from several sources including:
- annual surveys using specialist equipment
- our Highway Inspector reports
- district and parish councils
- members of the public
- elected members of the council
Schedules of planned resurfacing and surface treatment
schemes
We plan resurfacing
works for the roads that most need repairs. View
the schedules of our planned works for the
coming year as either an Excel or PDF file.
How we decide what to do
The condition of the road will generally determine the treatment
we use to repair it. We use three types of treatment in order of
cost:
- Surface
dressing
We use this treatment on roads where the surface has not failed but
is showing signs of general wear and tear.
- Micro
asphalt
We use this treatment on roads where the surface has not failed but
is showing cracking and some minor undulation.
- Machine
resurfacing
We use this process on roads where the surface has failed and is
showing extensive cracking and rutting.
How will our planned work affect you?
We try to minimise congestion when we carry out our works. We
will keep the road open where we can but sometimes the road is
narrow and this is not possible. If we are going to carry out
a scheme in your road we will write to you around 10 days before we
start to explain what we will do and when we will do it. We will
give you details of any access arrangements to your property during
the works and details of the diversion route to use if we have to
close the road. If you have any particular access needs you can let
the workforce on site know and they will do their best to help.
This particular work is very weather dependent and we need dry
and frost-free conditions to make sure the work is done to the best
possible quality. If we need to defer a scheme in your road because
of the weather we will write to you again to let you that it has
been rescheduled.
How you can help
We need your help to make sure the work is done as quickly as
possible and to the best possible quality. If your vehicle is
usually parked on the carriageway, please make sure you park it
somewhere else away from the site whilst the works are carried
out.
When you are driving, you can also help by paying heed to the
road signs (including speed restrictions) on newly surfaced roads.
This prevents the new material from being damaged before it has
completely set and prevents your vehicle from being damaged by any
loose chippings.
Access to your property during repairs
When we're working near your home, we will try to maintain
access to your road and property, but this will depend on
the exact state of the works at the time you want to access your
property.
We will normally have staff at each end of the road closure to
control traffic. To access your road or drive please park in a
safe location and speak with these staff to let them know where you
need to get to. They will try to make sure you can safely
access your property as soon as possible.
Access to the road for non-residents will not be allowed
unless arrangements have been made or there is
a essential need.