A SURFACE dressing programme is now underway to extend the life of key roads.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched the scheme as part of its summer maintenance plan to improve sections of the borough’s road network.
The treatment involves applying a thin layer of bitumen followed by stone chippings, which are then rolled into the surface to create a protective layer.
Karen Shore, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for transport and highways, said: "Our approach to highways maintenance is proactive rather than reactive to keep the borough’s road network moving smoothly.
"It is called an asset management approach, which involves a systematic approach to managing road assets throughout their lifecycle."
The technique helps extend the lifespan of roads and reduce the need for more disruptive and costly repairs.
It is particularly effective on A-roads, where only short closures are needed compared to longer-term resurfacing or structural repairs.
The process is carried out in four stages: preparation, surfacing, sealing and reinstating road markings and studs.
Councillor Shore said: "This is especially key on our major A-road network, as preventative surface treatments take only a couple of days to complete (depending on how big the site is) before the road can be re-opened to traffic, whereas full resurfacing or structural repairs would mean that a road is closed for a far longer period of disruption."
Surface dressing is typically carried out in the summer due to the weather-sensitive nature of the materials used.
The bitumen binder can soften in high temperatures and requires dry conditions for proper adhesion, making daytime work essential.
Night-time work is also avoided due to safety risks and the impracticality of lighting long stretches of road.
Councillor Shore said: "Funding to 2029/30 is projected to increase but the demands on our highway maintenance budget far outpaces the funding available to address them, so difficult choices do need to be made about which roads are treated and when.
"Our Asset Management team provides a list of schemes based on a yearly survey.
"This list prioritises sites to be treated.
"Our Contract Delivery team, Colas, and our supply partners then work together to procure these schemes."
During and immediately after surface dressing, bitumen and chippings may stick to footwear, pushchairs, wheelchairs and pets, potentially being tracked into homes.
Drivers are advised to keep to speeds below 20mph to prevent loose chippings from causing damage or injury.
The council’s contractors will sweep the area multiple times—after 24 hours, then three to four days later, and again after seven days to remove loose chippings.
Once the surface dressing programme is complete, the council will begin a new schedule of structural repairs and footway improvements.
Further updates will be made available on the council’s website.
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