Barnsley Council’s leader has outlined plans to invest an extra £10 million in roads across the borough, helping to deliver longer-lasting pothole repairs, targeted resurfacing and more teams repairing roads every day. 

The extra investment over the next four years, if approved by Cabinet, will expand the number of frontline teams carrying out road repairs. It will also support the use of a wider range of repair methods and materials that can be laid in all weathers and are less likely to need repeat repairs. 

A key focus will be on reducing the need for repeated temporary fixes where longer-lasting options can be used. The Council will also be looking for opportunities to better join-up repair works with drainage and gulley maintenance works.

The proposed investment will be in addition to the council’s existing £18.3 million highways capital programme, which is already underway this year. The additional £10 million over four years will help teams carry out more permanent repairs. 

Councillor William Brown, Leader of Barnsley Council, said:

“Residents tell us clearly that the condition of roads is one of the biggest issues affecting their communities, and we are determined to respond in a practical and focused way. 

“This is about taking a fresh look at different methods and materials we can use to improve the lifespan of repairs, and increasing capacity where it is needed and tackle the underlying issues, such as drainage, that can cause roads to fail more quickly. 

“Our highways teams do important work in challenging conditions, but the scale of the issue is significant and the demand continues to outstrip the resources available.  

“Without extra investment and change, the best we can hope for is to stop the backlog of repairs getting worse. This targeted investment and new approach will help our teams deliver more long-lasting improvements for residents, businesses and everyone who travels around Barnsley.” 

(Picture: Mapillary)