Resurfacing and strengthening
There are a few different methods we can use for
resurfacing roads that need repairing.
How we decide what to do?
The condition of the road will determine the treatment and
process we use to repair it.
- For general wear and tear on the road surface we will normally
decide to surface dress the road.
- If the road is in worse condition we may need to thin surface
the road by removing and replacing the top layers.
- If the road itself is actually failing we will normally have to
resort to a complete recondition of the road and its whole
structure.
The more intense the treatment the more it will cost to
carry out the work.
Surface dressing
Surface dressing means spraying the existing surface of the road
with a coating of hot bitumen and then covering it with stone
chippings. This is useful to repair general wear and tear damage
caused by day to day use of the road. The chippings are rolled into
the bitumen to form a water-resistant, protective layer, which
makes the road less slippery.
We do this work in the summer, when the weather is warm and dry,
as the bitumen will not stick to the road in cold or wet weather.
As soon as the bitumen has set, we sweep the road to remove any
loose chippings. Surface dressing extends the useful life of the
road and prevents more costly and disruptive work later on.
The presence of excess loose chippings can detract from the
public perception of the quality of the work; but this is a
necessary part of the treatment as vehicles using the new surface
helps to embed the excess material into the surface to further
protect it against the environment. After about a week we
return to the road to sweep up any chippings that have not
embedded. After that road markings will be added as
appropriate.
Resurfacing (thin surfacing) roads
If a road is too bumpy and needs to be improved, we will
resurface it. This means removing an existing surface or applying a
new surface on top of an existing one. The new surface will even
out bumps to give a smooth surface that helps to prevent
skidding.
A process called planning is used to remove an existing surface.
A machine grinds off the old surface, which we take away. We do not
waste this material but re-use it in road maintenance. A paver
machine applies a new surface. This machine controls the thickness
of the surface material and makes sure bumps and potholes are
filled in properly.
Reconditioning the road
Like all things, roads wear out and we may need to completely
dig it up and replace it. This is the most expensive
treatment. We keep the costs down as far as possible by carrying
out the above treatments to help prevent roads from getting so bad
that they need to be replaced. It is much cheaper to look after
roads than it is to rebuild a road, so it is a better use of the
money that is available.
How you can help
When you are driving, you can help by taking notice of road
signs (including speed restrictions) on newly surfaced roads. This
prevents new materials from being damaged before they have
completely set. This will especially help with surface dressing. It
will also help prevent your car from being damaged by loose
chippings.
Working on the highway can be dangerous for workmen, and
sometimes we have to close roads to provide enough room for repairs
to be carried out safely. If this is the case, please follow any
diversion signs.