Road improvements worth £3.5m are due to be carried out in the East Riding this spring and summer to help protect against potholes and other damage. 

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is investing the money in its annual surface dressing programme, which is due to begin on 16 April and is expected to take 13 weeks to complete, depending on the weather. 

The programme will cover all types of roads, from A roads to unclassified roads. It will upgrade 139 sections of road in the area – around 69 miles in total, which is the same as a straight road from Beverley to Hartlepool. 

Around 13,400 tonnes of stone chippings will be laid on road surfaces during the spring and summer operation.  

Surface dressing is a fast and cost-effective method of fixing, preserving and prolonging the lifespan of a road, and it is carried out annually by the council’s own highways maintenance team. 

The process actively reduces the risk of potholes forming as it seals the road and stops water from entering and damaging the surface. It also greatly improves skid resistance for vehicles. 

The process is carried out during the spring and summer months as it requires warmer temperatures for the bitumen and chippings to take effect. 

Different roads are chosen for surface dressing each year across the East Riding, from those needing the most attention. 

Cllr Paul West, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Our annual surface dressing plays a vitally important role in protecting the East Riding’s roads and defending against potholes and other damage. 

“Our teams will be working in more than 100 locations across the area this spring and summer and we’d like to thank residents and motorist for bearing with us while this work is carried out.” 

Surface dressing forms part of the council’s planned highway maintenance programme.