Work is well underway on a programme to improve the condition, look and feel of the city’s roads in Brighton & Hove.

Between now and next spring, miles of road will be either treated or resurfaced to tackle potholes and wear and tear.

The work also includes refurbishing a dozen traffic signals.

The programme means the council is extending the life of the roads, cutting the need for repair and ongoing maintenance.

This work is in addition to concrete road rehabilitation works taking place in the Bevendean area, which will be extended to include three more roads in October/November.

Every road in the city is walked and inspected at least once every six months, with busier roads visited more frequently. Inspectors identify safety defects (over 40mm deep on roads and 20mm deep on pavements) and repairs are carried out in either 2 hours, 7 days or 28 days depending on the assessed risk.

The council also runs a ‘seek and fix’ programme that identifies roads and pavements that are beginning to deteriorate and  take pre-emptive preventative measures that tackle wear and tear sooner, reducing the likelihood of things like potholes and other damage getting worse.

But by taking a long-term approach to road resurfacing and treatment, it reduces the need for day-to-day repairs and maintenance.

Parts of Valley Gardens have been getting what is known as a ‘surface extension treatment’.

Working with our contractors, this involves putting down a spray that restores elements lost over time.

It can be used every 3-5 years and extends the life of the road by an additional five years. This cuts the cost of ongoing maintenance, but also reduces the carbon impact.

The treatment is quick, with the whole process taking only a few days, minimising the disruption to residents.