The warmer weather over the past few weeks means Devon’s annual surface dressing season is now underway.
Between May and September, Devon County Council will treat around 150 sites, covering nearly 250 kilometres of road.
Surface dressing is different from pothole repairs – it’s a preventative treatment used on roads that are still in reasonable condition.
It helps stop potholes forming and extends the life of the surface, reducing the need for more costly repairs later.
The process involves spraying a layer of bitumen emulsion onto the road, followed by stone chippings which are rolled in to seal the surface and improve grip.
And because the chippings need warm, dry conditions to bond, work is carried out during the summer months.
However, work depends on the weather – and if it’s cold or wet work may be rescheduled.
Following treatment most roads reopen the same day. Temporary speed limits are put in place to help the new surface bed in and to reduce the risk from loose chippings.
Within a day the newly dressed road is swept to remove loose chippings; and to minimise waste these chippings are recycled. They are collected, cleaned and reused on future schemes.
Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
“We know people get frustrated by potholes, so this is about getting ahead of the problem rather than reacting to it.
“Surface dressing is one of the most effective ways we can protect our roads. It helps us keep more of the network in good condition and makes the best use of the budget we have.
“There can be some short-term inconvenience while the work is carried out, but it is quick, and it helps avoid more disruptive repairs in the future. We would ask people to take care on newly treated roads and follow the temporary speed limits.”
