11 'priority' Bedfordshire roads set for summer resurfacing
Eleven priority roads are set to be upgraded to improve road conditions and extend their lifespan.
The work, to be carried out by Central Beds Council as part of its annual summer surface dressing programme, starts on Monday (June 22).
The roads being surface dressed are:
> Luton Road (B579), Toddington
> Church Street, Shillington
> Park Lane, Henlow
> Leighton Buzzard Bypass, Leighton Buzzard
> Bedford Road, Brogborough
> Luton Road, Chalton
> Crawley Road, Cranfield
> Icknield Way, Eaton Bray
> Broughton Road, Salford
> West Hill, Bedford Road, Aspley Guise
> ZUC147, Ireland Northill.
This essential maintenance programme will run until July 24, focusing on repairing damage caused by cold and wet weather. The work aims to reduce the risk of future potholes and provide smoother, safer journeys for all road users.
Each road will receive surface dressing, followed by further work such as reinstating road markings.
Surface dressing is a quick and cost-effective preventative treatment that seals the road surface, enhances skid resistance and helps protect against water damage. The council says it plays an important role in its highway maintenance strategy, being up to 12 times more economical than full resurfacing and offering a lifespan of around 10 years.
Work on urban roads can typically be completed within two to three hours, while rural roads are usually finished in less than a day. Several roads may be treated each day, although timings may vary subject to weather conditions.
Following the success of the last few years, the council will again use the innovative Lockchip surface dressing method. This approach enhances both the durability and appearance of road surfaces, while significantly reducing loose chippings to improve safety and minimise the need for clean-up.
Councillor John Baker, executive member for finance and highways at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “It’s only by managing the public finances prudently that we can afford to carry out this work.
"Since 2023, we’ve taken many difficult decisions to balance the books and whilst the journey ahead remains challenging due to the government’s damaging £33m cut to our funding, it’s great news that we can now progress with these projects.
“Surface dressing is a preventative approach so we can address wear and tear early, helping to avoid more serious issues in the future.”