Somerset Council’s Highways team and contractor Kiely Bros are preparing to surface dress some roads as part of the spring/summer maintenance programme.

Surface dressing is a nationally recognised maintenance technique for sealing a road, improving skid resistance, and preventing water getting under the surface. This is crucial to help stop potholes forming. It works by coating an existing road with bitumen, covering it with stone chippings and then rolling it.

The work can only be carried out in dry weather, so the Council’s surface dressing programme is flexible, and dates can change at short notice.

Most sites are completed within a single day or in just a couple of hours. Larger sites may take between one and three days.

The works require short duration temporary road closures for the safety of the public and workforce. Pedestrian access will be maintained but there may be short periods where vehicular access is restricted. 

For the safety of the public and workforce, these works use short duration road closures. Pedestrian access will be unaffected, however there may be delays for vehicle access. ‘Business open as usual’ signs will be in place where necessary.

Those with specific access needs, are advised to speak to the team on site – they will usually be able to help.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, said:

“Every summer we deliver this programme so that our network remains safe. Surface dressing is critically important in keeping our highways running efficiently.

“Surface dressing is used on roads still in good condition to extend their life. It works much like repainting wooden windows – regular maintenance is essential.”

(Pic: RSTA)