FIVE local rural roads in Herefordshire are to benefit from a share of a £3.66 million investment of surface dressing in the county.
This follows on from a pre-surface dressing patching programme of works that was completed in 2023/24.
The initial phase saw 133,000sq m of Herefordshire’s C and unclassified road network improved while this new phase will allow further extensive improvements across the network.
The roads earmarked for resurfacing include:
● C1234 - Bagwyllydiart near Garway to Pontrilas Court;
● C1234 - Bagwyllydiart Farm to Little Hill Road, Orcop;
● C1294 - C1293 to Court Farm, Kynaston, near Much Marble
● C1289 - The Old Lodge, Much Marcle;
● C1283 - C1280 to Kingstone, Rudhal’ near Ross-on-Wye
A council spokesperson said: “Surface dressing is an important part of the county’s road maintenance programme and is used to prolong the life of roads across the county.
“The process involves applying a layer of bitumen binder to the existing road surface followed by a layer of stone chippings, which are then rolled into the binder to create a durable and skid-resistant surface.
“It helps seal the road surface, preventing water from penetrating and causing damage to the underlying layers. This also helps to prevent potholes from forming.
“It is a quick process and usually only takes a few hours to complete, meaning the contractors can sometimes treat several roads in one day. A sweeper will travel along the newly treated roads the following day to clear any immediate loose stones.
Cllr Barry Durkin (Conservative, Old Gore), cabinet member roads and regulatory services, said: “Feedback we receive shows that the condition of our roads is a huge priority for local residents and organisations.
“We are therefore very pleased to announce this additional investment of £3.66 million into surface dressing, which builds upon the success of the pre-surface dressing works we carried out in 2023/24.
“Surface dressing is a preventative maintenance treatment that is best used before road conditions deteriorate significantly, and typically helps to prolong the life of the road for 10-15 years.
“The programme will be complemented by an £8million additional investment into resurfacing over the next two years, as part of our commitment to improving our highways network.”