Micro asphalt programme
Why is my road being resurfaced using micro asphalt?
Roads are assessed for treatment by local highway engineers. The road adjacent to where you live is being treated to improve the existing road surface, while at the same time restoring surface texture and sealing the road to prevent further deterioration due to water ingress.
Micro asphalt is a quick, efficient and economic method of preventative maintenance. It is a mixture of polymer modified bitumen emulsion, small aggregate and cement laid using specialist machinery and which will improve the road surface and extend the life of the road.
Will I be notified of the work?
The micro asphalt contractor will post letters/leaflets to each household/business typically three days in advance of works commencing. Notices will be placed throughout the site to be micro asphalted one week in advance of works commencing.
Please be aware that the micro asphalt process is weather dependant and that it cannot take place in the event of rain. It is recognised that certain locations are more sensitive than others and these sites are highlighted to our contractor as requiring additional consultation.
Can I park my car and access my property?
To assist in the completion of the works please do not park on the road or verge within the works site. This will help to ensure that works are not delayed.
During the course of the work it is highly likely that vehicular access to properties will be restricted. We would ask that you please be patient and plan as may be appropriate. Disruption will be kept to minimum and access will be given to emergency vehicles at all times.
Pedestrian access will be maintained wherever possible and at all times where there is a footway.
What is the process?
Before the micro asphalt is applied the road will have been brought to an acceptable standard for treatment. Immediately before the micro asphalt treatment, the road will be cleaned and all the ironwork, (covers, gullies), will be ‘masked’ to protect them from the micro asphalt material.
The micro asphalt process is a two-phase process. First, a regulating layer of material is applied. This improves the surface profile of the road. This is followed by a second layer which gives the final surface. Both layers are usually applied on the same day, to a thickness of approximately 14mm.
The micro asphalt layers typically take between 15 and 30 mins to dry. This is dependant upon temperature and humidity. When the material is first laid it is a brown colour. The colour changes to grey/black as the material dries.
Once the final layer of micro asphalt has dried, the masking material is removed from the ironwork. Please note that where the process extends beyond a single day then the ironwork will remain covered, but provision will be made for water to be able to enter gullies in case of rain. All fire hydrants will be uncovered in case of emergency.
Following the completion of the work, there will be some chipping loss. Warning signs and an advisory speed limit will be put in place and roads will be swept as required to remove loose material. Traffic movement assists with the embedment of the newly laid material. The new surface can generally be driven on within 30 minutes of completion of application.
A few days after the micro asphalt has been laid the contractors will return to site and any low ironworks are raised.
Lining will be replaced up to a few weeks after the micro asphalt has been laid to allow for sufficient embedment. This work again is weather dependant.
This work may again require vehicles to be moved. This can cause some disruption, but every effort is made to minimise this. Also, the warning signs are removed once it is appropriate to do so.
Finally, the completed work is jointly inspected by a representative of Devon County Council and the contractor.
What I can expect during the work?
Work generally occurs between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm but we do ask that our contractor is sympathetic towards residents. Work may also occur over the weekend where necessary.
Parked cars cause problems for the workforce and affect the overall quality of the work. Please arrange to park away from the work site while the work is ongoing. Please keep pets indoors during the work.
The work involves heavy machinery. Please do not let children play near to the machinery whether or not work is in progress.
During warm weather, there is a possibility that the newly laid material may remain soft for a short period. Please avoid walking on the newly laid material.
Do not drive or walk on the newly laid material until it has fully dried and the site has been cleared by the contractor.
Who do I contact with enquiries?
If you have any concerns or queries during the work, please ask for help from one of the operatives on site. Alternatively, you can make contact prior to the work taking place using the contact number provided on the advanced signing or letter drop.