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 lead to minor cracks, allowing water to enter and cause damage which can result in potholes forming as well as reducing the skidding resistance of the road.    

Surface dressing seals the cracks, protects the underlying road structure and improves its overall condition, extending the life of the road.  

Over recent week teams have been out across the county cleaning, preparing and carrying out patching works on roads before the surface dressing treatment takes place.    

This year’s programme, part of the council’s new three year £100m Local Transport Plan, will see road surfaces improved across the county from the Scottish border down to the southeast corner of the county and over into Tynedale.  

Councillor Mark Mather, Cabinet Member for Roads and Highways, explained:

“Our annual programme of surface dressing will see improvements to roads across the county.  

“These are a combination of main roads and more minor ones which are often essential routes between our communities and it’s crucial they are kept in a good state of repair for everyone who uses them. 

“During the works there may be minor delays for road users but we will work to keep these to a minimum and we thank people for their understanding. 

“We’d ask drivers to take extra care and follow the speed limit signs on the recently surface dressed roads until essential road sweeping has taken place to remove loose road chippings.”   

(Picture: Northumberland County Council)