Drivers in Staffordshire are enjoying smoother journeys after hundreds of preventative highways maintenance schemes have been completed across the county.

Highways crews at Staffordshire County Council took advantage of the dry spring and summer months, completing over 1.4 million square metres of surface dressing, equivalent to 200 football pitches. More than 650 roads received the treatment in the season.

Surface dressing is a key part of the council’s approach to maintaining the road network. It involves carrying out structural repairs before applying a new top surface, helping to protect roads before they deteriorate and require more extensive and costly repairs. The treatment reduces the risk of potholes developing and can extend the life of a road by up to 15 years.

Some sites completed this season include the B5017 New Street in Burton, B5027 Uttoxeter Road in Stone and the A34 Stone Road in Tittensor. Treatments were also carried out on the A4091 Coleshill Road in Fazeley and Mount Road in Newcastle.

Work will continue over the autumn while the weather remains dry.

Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways at Staffordshire County Council, said:

“Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to maintaining our highways network. By investing in surface dressing and other preventative treatments, we’re able to protect roads before they reach the point where more expensive repairs are needed.

“Our crews have made excellent progress this season, despite facing challenges due to some extreme temperatures during the summer and having to work flexibly and at different times of the day. The hundreds of schemes delivered across the county have improved the condition of our roads for residents, businesses and visitors. It’s all part of our highway’s roadmap; a long-term strategy focused on improving our road network.”

(Picture: Staffordshire County Council)