RSTA urges local authorities to build flexibility into surface dressing permits
The Road Surface Treatment Association (RSTA) is calling on local highway authorities to build more flexibility into the work permits they issue to surface dressing contractors, to help ensure surface dressing is installed within its optimum temperature range during this summer’s exceptionally hot weather. Surface dressing performs best when applied within a specific temperature window; […]
Shropshire surface dresses over 70 roads
More than 70 stretches of road across Shropshire have been treated this spring and summer as part of Shropshire Council’s 2026 surface dressing programme, work that will play a key role in improving the county’s roads and preventing potholes. Work began on 22 April and was completed at the start of June. The 72 sites are […]
Road maintenance programme gets underway across Devon
Devon’s annual surface dressing season is now underway. Between May and September, Devon County Council will treat around 150 sites, covering nearly 250 km of road. Surface dressing is different from pothole repairs – it’s a preventative treatment used on roads that are still in reasonable condition and it helps stop potholes forming and extends the life of the […]
Lincolnshire’s unprecedented surface dressing programme set to continue
Since early April, Lincolnshire County Council’s surface dressing crews have covered 872,894 square metres of roads and, the council says the programme is not even half-way through. Cllr David East, executive member for highways, said: “The scale of what’s being delivered right now is huge. We’re protecting roads across the county in a practical, cost‑effective way, and it […]
Work starts on Northumberland summer surface dressing schemes
Work has begun on Northumberland County Council’s summer surface dressing programme. A total of 19 sites will be repaired and improved in the county’s annual ‘surface dressing’ initiative, covering an area of 443,290 square metres. This repair method is used where the existing road surface has worn over a period of several years. This can […]
North Northamptonshire lists roads scheduled for surface dressing and pothole repairs
Twenty roads throughout north Northamptonshire are scheduled for new surface dressing in May and June, with full road closures in effect during the works. Works will build on pre-patching that took place earlier this year in Desborough, Kettering, Corby, Loddington, Rushton, Stoke Albany, Geddington, and Lowick, with a handful of other roads in north Northamptonshire also […]
Mix of measures to tackle record-breaking pothole surge in Leicestershire
Leicestershire County Council is drafting in extra staff to speed up inspections and temporary repair methods are being used to keep roads safe while teams work through unprecedented numbers. The work on potholes is part of the council’s near £29m highways maintenance programme for 2026/27 – with all of the money being spent keeping the […]
Modified Kier highways contract extended for another year
Shropshire Council has extended Kier’s highways contract for an additional year, taking it to April 2027. Under the modified contract, Kier will be supporting Shropshire Council to achieve its mixed economy ambitions. The decision reflects Kier’s ongoing support for the council’s plans to improve highways services and develop a more local, flexible approach to delivery. […]
Surface dressing programme starts in Lincolnshire
A major surface dressing programme has now begun across Lincolnshire. The county-wide scheme, one of the biggest ever undertaken and costing £6 million, is running from now until around the middle of June and will see a staggering 271 sites treated to stop potholes forming. That is around 188 miles of road that will get the road equivalent of creosoting a fence to protect the surface […]
Somerset: Surface dressing programme helps protect county’s roads
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 […]