Location: Transport and Streets » Roads, highways and pavements » Roadworks and Traffic Details » Roads Patching Programme 2009-10

Roads Patching Programme 2009-10

In common with most of the rest of the country, our roads have suffered as a result of the extreme weather conditions this winter, the worst in nearly 30 years. The Council approved additional funding to help tackle the problem and engineers have been working together with their term highway contractor, Balfour Beatty WorkPlace, to decide on the most cost effective treatments and plan works, which will take place in March, prior to the annual resurfacing programme of numerous roads around the Borough later this summer.

The works will be localised resurfacing and patching works to some of the worst affected areas. This is in addition to the works being carried out by our operations team, who are able to respond to the most urgent of cases. They have repaired 4500 potholes since Christmas. Patching works will be either 'traditional' or infra-red patching. 'Traditional' patching involves cutting into the surface around the area of the patch and removing the damaged surface. New material is then laid into the hole and compacted to repair the area of damage. Council contractors will also be using infra-red patching, where the damaged area is heated to soften the existing material, before additional material is added to the area and then compacted to refresh the surface. Infra-red patching is a quicker and more environmentally friendly method of repairing the roads, but is not suitable for some of the worst potholes.

Signs will be displayed at each site to warn road users in advance of works taking place. In some circumstances road closures will be necessary to complete works quickly and safely, but access to properties will be maintained as far as possible - this may mean a short wait whilst works are completed directly outside a property. Where road closures are in force diversions will be clearly signed.

If you would like to report a problem on the highway, such as a pothole, please call Streetcare Customer Services on 01628 683804, email streetcare@rbwm.gov.uk or use the Online Fixit Form.