Surface Dressing is a cost-effective way of restoring and protecting road surfaces. In summary, this treatment:
- Improves skid resistance
- Seals the surface to prevent water ingress
- Slows deterioration and extends the lifespan of the road
How Surface Dressing works
Surface Dressing is applied to roads that remain in generally better condition. The process involves:
- Sweeping the road to remove debris.
- Spraying the surface with a layer of bitumen binder (a sticky tar-like substance).
- Applying stone chippings (small, consistently-sized aggregate).
- Rolling the surface to embed the chippings into the bitumen.
- Sweeping away any excess chippings.
Planned Surface Dressing for 2026
Work will take place between May and September, subject to dry weather and suitable road temperatures. Please note that planned works may be rescheduled in the event of poor weather conditions.
Planned dates are available on one.network, however these dates may need to be changed at short notice depending on the weather forecast. If you have any questions regarding the timing of works please contact our contractor, Kiely Bros, on 01823 215253 or email customercare@kielybros.co.uk.
The below map shows the roads where surface dressing will take place in 2026:
Traffic management and access
To keep road users and our workforce safe, temporary traffic management will be in place while work is carried out. This may include road closures and temporary parking restrictions.
We will always aim to keep access to homes and businesses wherever possible. There may be short delays at times, but staff on site will help if you need access.
If you have questions about access, please contact our contractor, Kiely Bros, on 01823 215253 or email customercare@kielybros.co.uk.
What to expect when the works take place
We aim to place signage out at least 7 days before planned work begins.
Most sites are completed within 1 day. Larger sites may take up to 3 days. A 5 day ‘weather window’ is displayed on signs to allow flexibility with planned dates in case of wet weather as the materials require dry road surfaces before they can be laid.
When the weather is suitable for the works begin the surface dressing will only take a few hours, the road will be closed while this happens. Once the works are complete a temporary speed limit will be implemented.
Frequently asked questions
- When will work take place?
Given that the planned dates may change due to weather, up-to-date information will be available on the https://one.network
We aim to place signage out at least 7 days before planned work begins, and we will letter-drop residents and businesses directly impacted by the works a few days beforehand.
- How long will the works take?
Most sites are completed within 1 day. Larger sites may take up to 3 days. A 5 day ‘weather window’ is displayed on signs to allow flexibility with planned dates in case of wet weather as the materials require dry road surfaces before they can be laid.
- I have received a leaflet to say that my road has been selected for Surface Dressing?
We will make sure you can get to and from your home or business but there will be times when delays are unavoidable. Please talk to a member of staff on site if you need help.
The Surface Dressing programme across Devon moves at pace and is weather dependent, it can change at short notice, please note any signage or contact our Contractor if you have any questions.
Please do not leave your vehicle on the road to be surface dressed.
- Why are there loose stone chippings?
Additional chippings are laid to ensure the whole road is covered evenly. Traffic helps embed them into the surface and excess chippings are swept up, and this may need to be done several times. Our Contractor will typically sweep the area after 24 hours and again 3 to 5 days after the new surface has been laid. Our Contractor will return to sweep the road again if necessary.
An advisory 20mph speed limit will remain in place for a several days to keep road users safe, to protect the new road surface and to prevent vehicle damage.
- Why is there a temporary speed limit after Surface Dressing?
Surface Dressing is vulnerable to fast or turning traffic immediately after laying, this is why a temporary speed limit of 20mph is in place. Travelling any faster than this limit may prevent the chippings from becoming properly embedded in the bitumen, and may risk broken windscreens and chipped paintwork on vehicles.
If the chippings do not become properly embedded then the Surface Dressing will need to be repaired or replaced much earlier than usual
- Why Surface Dressing instead of resurfacing?
Surface Dressing and Resurfacing are completely different processes.
- Resurfacing replaces worn layers, it is more disruptive and more expensive
- Surface Dressing is applied to roads in better condition to extend their life – similar to repainting wooden windows to prevent deterioration
- When can road markings be replaced?
Road markings will not be able to be replaced until after the final sweep of chippings has taken place, this can take a few weeks.
- How we minimise the risk of vehicle damage?
Please follow all on-site signage and observe the 20mph speed limit.
If you believe your vehicle has been affected, record the details and contact our Contractor, Kiely Bros, on 01823 215253 or via customercare@kielybros.co.uk
- Why have the reflective road studs been removed?
Reflective road studs are removed to prepare the road for Surface Dressing. They are reinstated once the surface has fully settled and the final sweeping is complete.
Reflective road studs are removed to prepare the road for Surface Dressing. They are reinstated once the surface has fully settled and the final sweeping is complete.
- How often is Surface Dressing needed?
A road may be surface dressed up to three times at intervals of 8 to 15 years, depending on condition and need.
- How do you choose which roads are treated?
Sites are selected through a detailed prioritisation process that considers community needs and requests, budget, survey data, inspections, maintenance records and the strategic importance of each route within the network.