Non-principal road programming – DfT funding
The government announced on 11 March a new Potholes Fund budget from 2020/21 until 2024/25.
The purpose of the additional increased funding is to provide greater assistance to address the formation of potholes and to provide additional funding to reduce these forming in the first place.
In addition, the new funding can also be used to repair damage caused to highways during the very wet winter of 2019/20.
The largest proportion of this additional funding will be directed at non-principal roads with an emphasis on improving the condition and resilience of the minor road network.
In supporting the COVID-19 recovery response, funding will also be directed at active travel needs to ensure that the quality of surfaces for the encouragement of walking and cycling journeys is maintained or improved.
This additional investment will also increase the volume of permanent repairs being undertaken to prevent the formation of potholes.
What are we doing?
Work will vary according to location and may include resurfacing, machine patching, hand patching, drainage works and hedge cutting.
All roads will be closed for between 2 and 8 days within the road closure period. It is anticipated that the closures will be on consecutive days.
However, there may be instances where preparatory works such as cleaning, plaining, road markings or associated works will necessitate a shorter closure outside the main works period.
Signs will be erected at the locations at least 7 days before the work is due to start. Actual dates and diversion route information will be available here.
Where is the work taking place?
There will be a separate contractor for each area of the county:
| Area | Contractor |
|---|---|
| Teignbridge | Glendinnings |
| Eastern | Aggregate Industries |
| Exeter and Exmouth | South West Highways – These closures will be applied for individually rather than in a list. If you have any queries relating to a site in the South Hams area which you feel may be this type of work please call 0345 155 1004 |
| Northern | Kennford Tarmacadam |
| Western | Cormac Ltd |
| South Hams | Roadform Civil Engineering Co. Ltd – These closures will be applied for individually rather than in a list. If you have any queries relating to a site in the South Hams area which you feel may be this type of work please call 0345 155 1004 |
Why do we have to close the road?
We must ensure the safety of our workforce and the public, and in order to comply with our safety guidelines, we are unable to carry out this work without a road closure.
As this is a narrow section of road we have to close the road for periods to give our workforce a safe working zone, however, we have worked hard to ensure that the closures are short time periods where possible in order to reduce the disruption to road users to the minimum.
Who can I contact about any issues?
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.